Precision in Human Neuroscience: A Systematic Approach

Strategic Insights -

Human neuroscience has long pushed the boundaries of measurable data, but the last decade has seen growing concerns about statistical power and replicability. Researchers have emphasized the need for larger sample sizes to increase statistical power, but a systematic approach to precision has often been overlooked. This review highlights the importance of precision in human neuroscience, discusses determinants of precision in various neuroscientific methods, and encourages a more systematic evaluation of precision to improve reproducibility in the field.

Key Takeaways:

  • Increasing precision can be as beneficial as increasing sample size in statistical power.
  • Measurement precision is crucial for well-powered studies in human neuroscience.
  • Different neuroscientific methods (MRI, M/EEG, EMG, ECG, EDA, Eye-Tracking, Endocrinology, and Genetics) have unique determinants of precision.
  • A systematic approach to precision can lead to an increase in reproducibility in human neuroscience.
  • Research traditions and rules of thumb are not sufficient for ensuring sufficient precision in studies, requiring a more systematic evaluation.
  • Precision has always been essential in human neuroscience, but its importance has been underemphasized in recent years.

Statistics:

  • No specific statistics are mentioned in the provided text.

Sources:

  • [1] osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/m8c4k (2024) - This preprint has not been peer-reviewed.