TY - JOUR
T1 - The fallacy of univariate solutions to complex systems problems
AU - Lessov-Schlaggar, Christina N.
AU - Rubin, Joshua B.
AU - Schlaggar, Bradley L.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Lessov-Schlaggar, Rubin and Schlaggar.
PY - 2016/6/8
Y1 - 2016/6/8
N2 - Complex biological systems, by definition, are composed of multiple components that interact non-linearly. The human brain constitutes, arguably, the most complex biological system known. Yet most investigation of the brain and its function is carried out using assumptions appropriate for simple systems-univariate design and linear statistical approaches. This heuristic must change before we can hope to discover and test interventions to improve the lives of individuals with complex disorders of brain development and function. Indeed, a movement away from simplistic models of biological systems will benefit essentially all domains of biology and medicine. The present brief essay lays the foundation for this argument.
AB - Complex biological systems, by definition, are composed of multiple components that interact non-linearly. The human brain constitutes, arguably, the most complex biological system known. Yet most investigation of the brain and its function is carried out using assumptions appropriate for simple systems-univariate design and linear statistical approaches. This heuristic must change before we can hope to discover and test interventions to improve the lives of individuals with complex disorders of brain development and function. Indeed, a movement away from simplistic models of biological systems will benefit essentially all domains of biology and medicine. The present brief essay lays the foundation for this argument.
KW - Cancer
KW - Developmental cognitive neuroscience
KW - FMRI
KW - Neuropsychiatric illness
KW - Tourette syndrome
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84980409602&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3389/fnins.2016.00267
DO - 10.3389/fnins.2016.00267
M3 - Article
C2 - 27375425
AN - SCOPUS:84980409602
SN - 1662-4548
VL - 10
JO - Frontiers in Neuroscience
JF - Frontiers in Neuroscience
IS - JUN
M1 - 267
ER -