Multiple Voxel Pattern Analysis
Multiple voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) is the other method (besdies fMRI adaptation) that enables us to figure out what information is repesented in a given region. If the pattern of response across voxels in that region is stably different for one kind of stimulus, from the pattern for another kind of stimulus, then the region can discriminate between those stimuli, even if the mean response is the same.