Harnessing Human Connectome Project Data for Replication Studies: A Demonstration for Resting State-Task Network Correspondence

Abstract

After a series of reports uncovered various methodological problems with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research, considerable attention has been given to principles and practices to improve reproducibility of neuroimaging findings, including promotion of openness, transparency, and data sharing. However, much less attention has been given to use of open access neuroimaging datasets to conduct replication studies. A major barrier to reproducing neuroimaging studies is their high cost, in money and labor, and utilizing such datasets is an obvious solution for breaking down this barrier. The Human Connectome Project (HCP) is an open access dataset consisting of extensive behavioral and neuroimaging data from over 1,100 individuals and there are numerous ongoing HCP-harmonized studies of lifespan and disease that will ultimately release data through HCP infrastructure. To bring attention to the HCP and related projects as an important resource for conducting replication studies, I used the HCP to conduct a replication of a highly cited neuroimaging study that showed correspondence between resting state and task brain networks.