fMRI Preprocessing Pipeline Guide

Guide fMRI preprocessing decisions for motion correction, normalization, and QC.

34|5|Updated Feb 28, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/HaoxuanLiTHUAI/awesome_cognitive_and_neuroscience_skills --skill fmri-preprocessing-pipeline-guide
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Skill: fMRI Preprocessing Pipeline Guide
Source: https://github.com/HaoxuanLiTHUAI/awesome_cognitive_and_neuroscience_skills/tree/main/skills/fmri-preprocessing-pipeline-guide
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/HaoxuanLiTHUAI/awesome_cognitive_and_neuroscience_skills --skill fmri-preprocessing-pipeline-guide

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This guide provides domain-validated guidance for deciding fMRI preprocessing steps, reducing researcher bias and methodological inconsistencies.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Comprehensive decision framework covering motion correction, slice timing, distortion correction, normalization, smoothing, and QC to ensure reproducible analyses.
  • Suitable for task-based fMRI, resting-state connectivity, and MVPA, with tool-agnostic recommendations.
  • Example use: design a preprocessing plan tailored to your study design and data characteristics, ensuring reproducibility.

Quick Start

Run a tailored preprocessing plan by asking for step-by-step guidance and parameter recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions about fMRI Preprocessing Pipeline Guide

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What are the essential steps for fMRI preprocessing in neuroimaging studies?

Guide users through structured fMRI preprocessing decisions by providing step-by-step instructions, default parameter recommendations, and quality-control criteria anchored in established literature for reliable results.

How do I design an fMRI preprocessing plan tailored to my study design?

Design a tailored fMRI preprocessing plan by asking for step-by-step guidance and parameter recommendations that match your specific data characteristics, ensuring methodological consistency and reproducibility across task or resting-state workflows.

What quality control criteria should I use for fMRI motion correction and normalization?

Quality control criteria for fMRI motion correction and normalization involve domain-validated thresholds and visual inspections outlined in the guide, reducing researcher bias and ensuring structural consistency before downstream connectivity or MVPA analysis.

Can I use these fMRI preprocessing recommendations for resting-state connectivity and MVPA workflows?

Yes, these fMRI preprocessing recommendations are suitable for resting-state connectivity and MVPA workflows, offering tool-agnostic guidance that spans motion correction, distortion correction, and normalization to support reproducible study designs.

When should I apply slice timing and distortion correction in fMRI preprocessing?

Apply slice timing and distortion correction during fMRI preprocessing when your acquisition parameters introduce temporal offsets or spatial distortions, with the guide providing default parameter recommendations to decide the exact application timing.