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

Random allocation chiefly reduces which problem?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Confounding

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

Option by option

  • A. Sampling frame errors

    Sampling frame errors does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

  • B. Confounding (correct)

    Correct. Confounding directly addresses the key clue in this scenario.

  • C. Observer blindness always

    Observer blindness always may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

  • D. Recall bias completely

    Recall bias completely is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested study designs conclusion.

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 B, Confounding. This Study designs item is resolved by the defining principle: Confounding best matches the stated finding or public-health measure.

Why is "Sampling frame errors" not the answer?

Sampling frame errors does not explain the finding or provide the indicated intervention.

Why is "Observer blindness always" not the answer?

Observer blindness always may be relevant elsewhere, but it conflicts with the central fact given here.

Why is "Recall bias completely" not the answer?

Recall bias completely is not the best fit because it does not establish the requested study designs conclusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study designs in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Confounding 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.