SPM8 is a toolbox of MATLAB that can process the fMRI images.
1. use "DICOM Import" to convert DICOM into .img + .hdr form, this step is transform slices into volume. (2D->3D)
2. slice timing to correct the acquisition time of every slice in the volume to ensure that every volume is acquired at the same time.
3. realignment is to correct the motion of head. the "mean" is the most important file of this step.
4. co-register is to register the f-image with s-image of the same subject, so if the experiment is for group, skip the step.
5. segment is for s-image. usually generate GM, WM and CSF that can be use at the normalization. if the experiment is for group, skip the step.
6. normalization is use to change the shape of the brain so that can easily be diagnosed. this can be done for one subject or a group. for subject, normalize s-image and mean; for group, normalize mean and template.
MAKE SURE set the right file in the right folder!
7. statistical analysis!
SPM8 is just a tool, it shows nothing unless you know enough knowledge about fMRI and BOLD.