Tutorial on use of intraclass correlation coefficients for assessing intertest reliability and its application in functional near-infrared spectroscopy–based brain imaging

Lin Li; Li Zeng; Zi-Jing Lin; Mary Cazzell; Hanli Liu

doi:10.1117/1.JBO.20.5.050801

20 May 2015 Tutorial on use of intraclass correlation coefficients for assessing intertest reliability and its application in functional near-infrared spectroscopy–based brain imaging

Lin Li, Li Zeng, Zi-Jing Lin, Mary Cazzell, Hanli Liu

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Journal of Biomedical Optics, Vol. 20, Issue 5, 050801 (May 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.5.050801

Abstract

Test-retest reliability of neuroimaging measurements is an important concern in the investigation of cognitive functions in the human brain. To date, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), originally used in inter-rater reliability studies in behavioral sciences, have become commonly used metrics in reliability studies on neuroimaging and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). However, as there are six popular forms of ICC, the adequateness of the comprehensive understanding of ICCs will affect how one may appropriately select, use, and interpret ICCs toward a reliability study. We first offer a brief review and tutorial on the statistical rationale of ICCs, including their underlying analysis of variance models and technical definitions, in the context of assessment on intertest reliability. Second, we provide general guidelines on the selection and interpretation of ICCs. Third, we illustrate the proposed approach by using an actual research study to assess intertest reliability of fNIRS-based, volumetric diffuse optical tomography of brain activities stimulated by a risk decision-making protocol. Last, special issues that may arise in reliability assessment using ICCs are discussed and solutions are suggested.

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Lin Li, Li Zeng, Zi-Jing Lin, Mary Cazzell, and Hanli Liu "Tutorial on use of intraclass correlation coefficients for assessing intertest reliability and its application in functional near-infrared spectroscopy–based brain imaging," Journal of Biomedical Optics 20(5), 050801 (20 May 2015). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.5.050801

Published: 20 May 2015

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