fMRI of High-Level Vision: Analyzing and Designing Brain Studies

How does the human brain transform patterns of light into recognizable faces, objects, and memories? Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows us to explore these profound questions by noninvasively mapping neural activity in the living brain. This text-based course guides you through the foundational principles of neuroimaging and high-level vision, transitioning from basic brain anatomy to critically analyzing modern neuroimaging studies. What you'll learn: - Understand the biophysics of the BOLD signal and how fMRI measures local brain activity. - Explore high-level visual processes including object recognition, face processing, visual attention, and mental imagery. - Analyze experimental designs, from block designs to event-related paradigms, identifying their strengths and limitations. - Apply modern analytical frameworks, such as multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) and representational similarity analysis (RSA), to map visual representations. - Critique published neuroimaging literature and identify common methodological pitfalls. - Design theoretically motivated fMRI experiments to test hypotheses about human cognition. The course begins with foundational concepts in neuroanatomy, visual pathways, and MRI physics before progressing to advanced topics in visual processing and experimental design. Through written explanations, detailed case studies, and structured analytical exercises, you will develop the skills needed to read, interpret, and design neuroimaging research. This course is designed for beginners interested in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or data analysis, and starts with core definitions requiring no prior background in statistics or biology. Start your journey into the science of visual cognition today.