Study design: 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 design

Sample item

What is a placebo in a clinical trial?

AA diagnostic testBAn adverse eventCInactive comparison interventionDA new vaccine

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Inactive comparison intervention

The defining Study design principle supports Inactive comparison intervention; it directly accounts for the forensic observation, evidence requirement, or public-health measure in the question.

Option by option

A. A diagnostic test
A diagnostic test may be useful elsewhere but is not the best answer here.
B. An adverse event
An adverse event is not consistent with the finding or appropriate action described.
C. Inactive comparison intervention (correct)
Correct. Inactive comparison intervention best fits the important clue in this sample.
D. A new vaccine
A new vaccine does not establish the requested study design 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.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Inactive comparison intervention. The defining Study design principle supports Inactive comparison intervention; it directly accounts for the forensic observation, evidence requirement, or public-health measure in the question.

Why is "A diagnostic test" not the answer?

A diagnostic test may be useful elsewhere but is not the best answer here.

Why is "An adverse event" not the answer?

An adverse event is not consistent with the finding or appropriate action described.

Why is "A new vaccine" not the answer?

A new vaccine does not establish the requested study design conclusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study design in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Inactive comparison intervention best fits the important clue in this sample.

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 design?

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.