This intermediate-level workshop is designed for investigators having some familiarity with the basic principles of fMRI data acquisition and analysis. Our focus will be on using SPM8 and its extensions for preprocessing, statistical modeling and visualization of data from a range of functional neuroimaging experimental designs. Data visualization on the cortical surface with FreeSurfer will also be demonstrated. In addition, we will review and demonstrate a range of strategies for labeling cortical and subcortical regions.

IMPORTANT. The workshop will involve demonstrations involving SPM8, its extensions and associated programs. It is necessary for participants have a means to work with this software during the program. Participants are expected to bring a laptop with MATLAB and MRIcron already installed. Instructions for obtaining and installing SPM8 can be found here. Instructions for obtaining and installing MRIcron can be found here. We will provide  sample data and associated batch processing files on a CD.  Please note that, although SPM itself is free and available for download from the web, its use requires an active MATLAB license.

The primary faculty will be Tom Zeffiro, Susan Whitfield-Gabrieli and Robert Savoy. Tom and Susan have extensive experience with SPM, statistics and quality assurance in fMRI data analysis. Robert Savoy is the director of the fMRI Visiting Fellowship Program and the Multi-Modal Short Course at the Martinos Center.

The primary focus will be on SPM8 (but other tools will be mentioned and demonstrated in the contexts of quality control, visualization, and anatomical labeling).

Anyone planning to use SPM as their primary statistical analysis and preprocessing package should benefit from this program. Although the presentations will focus on using SPM8 for fMRI experimental design and analysis, users of other software packages may benefit from the conceptual background and specific examples of data preprocessing, statistical modeling and visualization presented in the program.