Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating

Task-related functional MRI (fMRI) studies need to be properly powered with an adequate sample size to reliably detect effects of interest. But for most fMRI studies, it is not straightforward to determine a proper sample size using power calculations based on published effect sizes. Here, we presen...

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Main Authors: Eduard T. Klapwijk, Joran Jongerling, Herbert Hoijtink, Eveline A. Crone
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-01-01
Series:Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878929324001506
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author Eduard T. Klapwijk
Joran Jongerling
Herbert Hoijtink
Eveline A. Crone
author_facet Eduard T. Klapwijk
Joran Jongerling
Herbert Hoijtink
Eveline A. Crone
author_sort Eduard T. Klapwijk
collection DOAJ
description Task-related functional MRI (fMRI) studies need to be properly powered with an adequate sample size to reliably detect effects of interest. But for most fMRI studies, it is not straightforward to determine a proper sample size using power calculations based on published effect sizes. Here, we present an alternative approach of sample size estimation with empirical Bayesian updating. First, this method provides an estimate of the required sample size using existing data from a similar task and similar region of interest. Using this estimate researchers can plan their research project, and report empirically determined sample size estimations in their research proposal or pre-registration. Second, researchers can expand the sample size estimations with new data. We illustrate this approach using four existing fMRI data sets where Cohen’s d is the effect size of interest for the hemodynamic response in the task condition of interest versus a control condition, and where a Pearson correlation between task effect and age is the covariate of interest. We show that sample sizes to reliably detect effects differ between various tasks and regions of interest. We provide an R package to allow researchers to use Bayesian updating with other task-related fMRI studies.
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spelling doaj-art-576f350e9a874032a52d311a507228082025-01-22T05:41:17ZengElsevierDevelopmental Cognitive Neuroscience1878-92932025-01-0171101489Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updatingEduard T. Klapwijk0Joran Jongerling1Herbert Hoijtink2Eveline A. Crone3Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands; Corresponding author.Tilburg University, NetherlandsUtrecht University, NetherlandsErasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands; Leiden University, NetherlandsTask-related functional MRI (fMRI) studies need to be properly powered with an adequate sample size to reliably detect effects of interest. But for most fMRI studies, it is not straightforward to determine a proper sample size using power calculations based on published effect sizes. Here, we present an alternative approach of sample size estimation with empirical Bayesian updating. First, this method provides an estimate of the required sample size using existing data from a similar task and similar region of interest. Using this estimate researchers can plan their research project, and report empirically determined sample size estimations in their research proposal or pre-registration. Second, researchers can expand the sample size estimations with new data. We illustrate this approach using four existing fMRI data sets where Cohen’s d is the effect size of interest for the hemodynamic response in the task condition of interest versus a control condition, and where a Pearson correlation between task effect and age is the covariate of interest. We show that sample sizes to reliably detect effects differ between various tasks and regions of interest. We provide an R package to allow researchers to use Bayesian updating with other task-related fMRI studies.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878929324001506Power analysisRegion of interestEffect sizeR packageSample sizesBayesian updating
spellingShingle Eduard T. Klapwijk
Joran Jongerling
Herbert Hoijtink
Eveline A. Crone
Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience
Power analysis
Region of interest
Effect size
R package
Sample sizes
Bayesian updating
title Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating
title_full Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating
title_fullStr Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating
title_full_unstemmed Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating
title_short Sample size estimation for task-related functional MRI studies using Bayesian updating
title_sort sample size estimation for task related functional mri studies using bayesian updating
topic Power analysis
Region of interest
Effect size
R package
Sample sizes
Bayesian updating
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878929324001506
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