Busting the myths of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Abstract

For almost 30 years, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has made a splash in neuroscientific fields, contributing to cognitive, social and sensory domains. But with fMRI being used to support big claims about the nature of our brains, it is important to consider how much fMRI can tell us about brain activity and why a more careful approach is needed. This introduction article will attempt to debunk some big myths of fMRI often seen in scientific reporting, in the hopes of promoting a more nuanced understanding of this revolutionary but complex technology.