MRI has revolutionized brain science, but mental health research has struggled to see similar benefits due to challenges in replicating findings from brain-wide association studies (BWAS). These studies, often conducted with relatively small sample sizes, have failed to reliably link brain structure or function to complex mental health phenotypes. Analysis of three large datasets totaling 50,000 individuals revealed that BWAS effect sizes are smaller than expected, leading to underpowered studies and high rates of non-replication. Reproducibility improves with larger samples, particularly for functional MRI, cognitive tests, and multivariate analyses. The findings underscore the necessity of large-scale studies for credible BWAS results.

In the presentation, we will further explore the main implications of these findings, emphasizing how the scale of neuroimaging studies impacts the reliability of conclusions drawn about the brain and mental health. We will discuss the critical need for large-scale studies to enhance reproducibility in BWAS and consider how these insights can inform future research strategies in mental health and cognitive neuroscience. The discussion will include reflections on the methodological shifts required to achieve more accurate and replicable outcomes in the field.

Missed our presentation or want to re-watch it?
Don't worry, we've got you covered! Click here to access the recording and catch up on all the valuable insights and knowledge shared during the presentation portion of the seminar. Don't miss out. Click now and start watching!