Linking Neural Activity to Mental Processes

Brain imaging research has developed for more than two decades and has enriched our knowledge about human brain functions. Researchers have developed sophisticated methods of experimental design and data analysis in order to link observed neural activity to mental processes. This paper illustrates several methods that have been employed in studies of both low-level cognitive processes (e.g., visual perception) and high-level cognitive processes (e.g., social cognition). Neuroimaging findings obtained using these novel methods enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying human cognitive processes.