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 study starts with disease status then examines prior exposure?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Case-control study

Case-control studies select cases with disease and controls without disease, then compare previous exposures to estimate associations such as odds ratios.

Option by option

  • A. Ecological study

    Ecological studies analyze group-level rather than individual data.

  • B. Cohort study

    Cohort studies begin with exposure status and follow outcomes.

  • C. Case-control study (correct)

    Correct: case-control design begins with outcome status.

  • D. Randomized trial

    Randomized trials assign interventions prospectively.

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. Case-control studies select cases with disease and controls without disease, then compare previous exposures to estimate associations such as odds ratios.

Why is "Ecological study" not the answer?

Ecological studies analyze group-level rather than individual data.

Why is "Cohort study" not the answer?

Cohort studies begin with exposure status and follow outcomes.

Why is "Randomized trial" not the answer?

Randomized trials assign interventions prospectively.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study designs in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: case-control design begins with outcome status.

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.