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

What is the major advantage of randomization in a trial?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Balances known and unknown confounders

This Study designs item is answered by Balances known and unknown confounders, which directly follows the principle relevant to the observation, documentation, or public-health action described.

Option by option

  • A. Guarantees blinding

    Guarantees blinding may be associated with another setting but is not the best fit here.

  • B. Balances known and unknown confounders (correct)

    Correct. Balances known and unknown confounders most directly matches the defining clue in this item.

  • C. Eliminates loss to follow-up

    Eliminates loss to follow-up does not establish the requested study designs conclusion.

  • D. Proves external validity

    Proves external validity does not explain the stated finding or appropriate intervention.

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, Balances known and unknown confounders. This Study designs item is answered by Balances known and unknown confounders, which directly follows the principle relevant to the observation, documentation, or public-health action described.

Why is "Guarantees blinding" not the answer?

Guarantees blinding may be associated with another setting but is not the best fit here.

Why is "Eliminates loss to follow-up" not the answer?

Eliminates loss to follow-up does not establish the requested study designs conclusion.

Why is "Proves external validity" not the answer?

Proves external validity does not explain the stated finding or appropriate intervention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study designs in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Balances known and unknown confounders most directly matches the defining clue in this item.

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.