You will find here a comprehensive review of all fMRI data processing methods proposed in the literature to 2005. I have endeavored, however, to produce a review that is useful to more than those already in the know. With the introduction of each major method I have additionally given an overview of how the method works in wide and hopefully intuitive terms. The overviews taken together should give the newcomer a broad idea of all the choices that can be made for transforming raw fMRI data into a brain activity map.

The term activity map is used here to include the specific forms of maps labeled as activation maps and connectivity maps. Activation maps show regions of the brain that are active in response to a task given to the person in the MRI, while connectivity maps are intended to provide information on the neural connectivity between the active regions.

All methods are described in a precise manner from a mathematical perspective. So a certain amount of mathematical and/or statistical background is assumed of the reader. However, the math is presented at a high level. You will not find here details of how to implement any of the methods reviewed. For the details you will need to consult the original literature listed in the references.

In short, this book can help the newcomer to the field of fMRI (or a seasoned researcher wanting to know about methods used by others) to become oriented via a three-step process.