ABSTRACT

Neuroscientific investigations into communication phenomena using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are becoming increasingly popular in communication science. This presents opportunities for new discoveries, but also for the rapid spread of questionable practices. Here, we look to the future of fMRI in communication science: first, highlighting and advocating for several relatively new methods that should enable communication scholars to address novel research questions; and second, pointing out various controversies or pitfalls that exist in the use of several of the more widely used fMRI analysis methods within the field. Given the rapidly changing nature of the fMRI analysis landscape, such reflection is an essential part of being a good scholar in this domain. Our aim is to ensure that the future of fMRI in communication science is healthy, robust, and rich in variety, by encouraging all researchers in the field to think critically about the methods they use, whether that means adopting new analysis methods that can answer previously unanswerable questions, or adjusting their use of methods they already use to align with the latest recommended practices.

摘要

使用功能磁共振成像（fMRI）对通信现象进行神经科学研究在通信科学中变得越来越普遍。这为新发现提供了机会，也为可疑行为的迅速传播提供了机会。在这里，我们展望了功能磁共振成像技术在通信科学中的未来：首先，强调并倡导几种相对较新的方法，这些方法应使通信学者能够解决新颖的研究问题。其次，指出在该领域中使用几种更广泛使用的fMRI分析方法时存在的各种争议或陷阱。鉴于功能磁共振成像分析领域的瞬息万变，这种反思是成为该领域优秀学者的重要组成部分。