C

Cluster-size Thresholding

The adoption of a minimum size, in voxels, for a cluster of active voxels to be labeled as significant.

Collinear Factors

Model factors that are highly correlated with one another.  The inclusion of collinear factors reduces the validity of general linear model analyses.

Color Map

The association between numerical values of a parameter of a set of colors

Contrast

The intensity difference between different quantities being measured by an imaging system. It also can refer to the physical quantity being measured (e.g., T1 contrast).

Contrast-to-Noise Ratio (CNR)

The magnitude of the intensity difference between different quantities divided by the variability in their measurements.

Coregistration

The spatial alignment of two images or image volumes.

Correlation Analysis

A type of statistical test that evaluates the strength of the relation between two variables.  For fMRI studies, correlation analyses typically evaluate the correspondence between a predicted hemodynamic response and the observed data. 

Correlation Coefficient (or r-value)

A number between -1 and 1 that expresses the strength of the correlation between two variables.

Cortical Mapping

The mapping of function to different areas of the cerebral cortex, in order to guide plans for clinical treatment.

Cost Function

A quantity that determines the amount of residual error in a comparison.

Covariates

Experimental factors that can take any of a continuous range of values.

Cross Product

The vector product of two vectors, its direction is perpendicular to the plane defined by multiplying their product times the sine of the angle between them.

Cryogens

Cooling agents used to reduce the temperature of the electromagnetic coils in an MRI scanner.

Cytoarchitecture

The organization of the brain on the basis of cell structure.

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