Study designs: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Study designs

Sample item

Which design begins with disease status and looks back for exposures?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Case-control study

This Study designs item is resolved by the defining principle: Case-control study best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Option by option

  • A. Cohort study

    Cohort study is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested study designs conclusion.

  • B. Ecological time series

    Ecological time series does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

  • C. Case-control study (correct)

    Correct. Case-control study directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

  • D. Randomized trial

    Randomized trial may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Case-control study. This Study designs item is resolved by the defining principle: Case-control study best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Why is "Cohort study" not the answer?

Cohort study is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested study designs conclusion.

Why is "Ecological time series" not the answer?

Ecological time series does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

Why is "Randomized trial" not the answer?

Randomized trial may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study designs in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Case-control study directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Study designs?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.