Dr. Jones has just reported the results of one fMRI experiment where he showed that in 5 adults 4 men, 1 woman) the right frontal lobe is more active for even numbers and the left frontal lobe is more active for odd numbers. He has concluded that the right frontal region is the 'even number center' in the brain and the left frontal region is the 'odd number center'. What are potential problems with his position?
A) There may be other explanations for why the right and left areas were differently active
B) A study with just 5 subjects may not be enough to clarify differences in brain responses
C) While the brain activity correlated with even and odd numbers, it is impossible to tell from this study whether that brain response was caused by number type
D) All of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The study's conclusions are problematic due to the small sample size, potential alternative explanations for brain activity, and the inability to establish causation from correlation.

Dr Jones Has Just Reported the Results of One FMRI