“Voodoo” Science in Neuroimaging: How a Controversy Transformed into a Crisis

Since the 1990s, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) techniques have continued to advance, which has led researchers and non specialists alike regard this technique as infallible. However, at end of 2008, a scientific controversy related media coverage called neuroimaging practices into question cast doubt on capacity fMRI studies produce reliable results. The purpose article is retrace history contemporary its treatment in media. Then, study stands intersection science, epistemology statistics, science. Arguments involving actors (researchers, media) chronology events are presented. Finally, reveals that three groups fought through different arguments (false positives, statistical power, sample size, etc.), reaffirming current norms separate true from false. Replication, forming boundary, takes place most persuasive argument. This how voodoo joined replication crisis.