Decoding mental and perceptual states using fMRI has become increasingly popular over the past two decades, with numerous highly-cited studies published in high-profile journals. Nevertheless, what have we learned from these decoders? In this opinion, we argue that fMRI-based decoders are not neurophysiologically informative and are not, and likely cannot be, applicable to real-world decision-making. The former point stems from the fact that decoding models cannot disentangle neural mechanisms from their epiphenomena. The latter point stems from both logical and ethical constraints. Constructing decoders requires precious time and resources that should instead be directed toward scientific endeavors more likely to yield meaningful scientific progress.

中文翻译：

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精神状态解码器：游戏规则改变者还是一厢情愿的想法？


在过去的二十年中，使用功能磁共振成像解码心理和知觉状态变得越来越流行，在知名期刊上发表了许多被高度引用的研究。然而，我们从这些解码器中学到了什么？在这种观点中，我们认为基于功能磁共振成像的解码器在神经生理学上不提供信息，并且不适用于，而且很可能不能适用于现实世界的决策。前一点源于解码模型无法将神经机制与其副现象分开的事实。后一点源于逻辑和道德约束。构建解码器需要宝贵的时间和资源，而这些时间和资源应该用于更有可能产生有意义的科学进步的科学努力。