Biostatistics: 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.

Try it

PSM · Biostatistics

Sample item

Which measure of central tendency is least affected by extreme outliers?

ARangeBArithmetic meanCStandard deviationDMedian

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Median

The median is the middle ordered value and is resistant to unusually high or low observations, unlike the arithmetic mean.

Option by option

A. Range
Range depends entirely on the extreme observations.
B. Arithmetic mean
The mean is pulled toward outliers.
C. Standard deviation
Standard deviation measures spread rather than central tendency.
D. Median (correct)
Correct: median is robust to extreme values.

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 D, Median. The median is the middle ordered value and is resistant to unusually high or low observations, unlike the arithmetic mean.

Why is "Range" not the answer?

Range depends entirely on the extreme observations.

Why is "Arithmetic mean" not the answer?

The mean is pulled toward outliers.

Why is "Standard deviation" not the answer?

Standard deviation measures spread rather than central tendency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: median is robust to extreme values.

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 Biostatistics?

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.