Research ethics: 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 · Research ethics

Sample item

What is the purpose of independent ethics review before human research?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Protect participants' rights, safety, and welfare

Independent ethics review assesses risk, benefit, consent, privacy, and scientific validity to protect participants before research starts.

Option by option

  • A. Guarantee a positive study result

    Ethics review cannot guarantee results.

  • B. Protect participants' rights, safety, and welfare (correct)

    Correct: review safeguards participants before enrolment.

  • C. Replace informed consent

    Consent remains essential after approval.

  • D. Prevent publication of negative findings

    Negative findings should be reported appropriately.

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, Protect participants' rights, safety, and welfare. Independent ethics review assesses risk, benefit, consent, privacy, and scientific validity to protect participants before research starts.

Why is "Guarantee a positive study result" not the answer?

Ethics review cannot guarantee results.

Why is "Replace informed consent" not the answer?

Consent remains essential after approval.

Why is "Prevent publication of negative findings" not the answer?

Negative findings should be reported appropriately.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Research ethics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: review safeguards participants before enrolment.

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 Research ethics?

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.