easy-optimize-x

What is easy-optimize-x?

This is a GUI implementation of the MATLAB software I use to optimize trial arrangement (order and spacing) when designing my fMRI studies. I created the GUI for an instructional lab I lead as part of the 2014 Training Course in fMRI offered by the University of Michigan. Hence, usage is designed to be relatively easy, and is described below.

Introduction

Here you'll learn to use a program called OptimizeXGUI.m to optimize a complex, randomized event-related design that contains multiple event types (i.e., conditions). This software is specifically designed for optimizing the detection of specific linear contrasts of interest (i.e., activation differences). Most importantly, it (hopefully) will be easy for you to use, leaving you with no excuse for not optimizing your design for your next event-related study. In addition, you should check out Tor Wager's Design Optimization software, which is more powerful than this software but requires more MATLAB experience and time to be able to use effectively.

Launching optimizeXGUI

To get started, go ahead and run the program in a MATLAB command window (make sure you're in the right directory):

>> optimizeXGUI                    

You should now see the main input dialogue:

Feel free to create your own unique design by modifying the inputs. Or, you can just use the "default" values to proceed on to the next step, which is to tell the software which contrasts you care most about:

That's it! The software will do the rest of the work, some of which you can see in the MATLAB command window:

Once it finishes, you should see a figure pop up showing you the most efficient design matrix:

In addition, you should see a new folder in the directory in which you ran the program. Inside that directory are .csv files (and .txt files, which can be read a bit easier back into MATLAB) like this:

For most applications, this should be all of the information you need to implement your experiment, and to do so in a manner that is optimal given the contrasts you care about. Of course, you might want to think about running the software for more than a minute if you do decide to use this for a study! There is no hard-and-fast rule for how long you do need to run it, but it wouldn't hurt (presumably) to run it overnight.

Have Questions?

Feel free to shoot me (Bob) an email at: bobspunt@gmail.com