Epidemiology: 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 · Epidemiology

Sample item

What does an odds ratio estimate in a case-control study?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Association between exposure and outcome odds

Case-control studies compare exposure odds among cases and controls, producing an odds ratio that approximates relative risk when disease is rare.

Option by option

  • A. Association between exposure and outcome odds (correct)

    Correct: odds ratio is the standard case-control association measure.

  • B. Laboratory test sensitivity

    Sensitivity is a screening test property.

  • C. Average survival time after diagnosis

    Survival requires follow-up time analysis.

  • D. Exact incidence in the source population

    Incidence is not directly measured after selecting by outcome.

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 A, Association between exposure and outcome odds. Case-control studies compare exposure odds among cases and controls, producing an odds ratio that approximates relative risk when disease is rare.

Why is "Laboratory test sensitivity" not the answer?

Sensitivity is a screening test property.

Why is "Average survival time after diagnosis" not the answer?

Survival requires follow-up time analysis.

Why is "Exact incidence in the source population" not the answer?

Incidence is not directly measured after selecting by outcome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: odds ratio is the standard case-control association measure.

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 Epidemiology?

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.