Study design: cohort: 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: cohort

Sample item

Which measure can be calculated directly in a prospective cohort study?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Relative risk

A cohort study follows exposed and unexposed groups to measure incidence, allowing direct calculation of relative risk. Case-control studies typically estimate an odds ratio instead.

Option by option

  • A. Kappa statistic only

    Kappa assesses agreement beyond chance.

  • B. Odds ratio only

    Odds ratios can be calculated but are not the only or defining direct risk measure.

  • C. Relative risk (correct)

    Correct. Incidence in each exposure group permits calculation of relative risk.

  • D. Positive predictive value only

    PPV relates to diagnostic testing.

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, Relative risk. A cohort study follows exposed and unexposed groups to measure incidence, allowing direct calculation of relative risk.

Why is "Kappa statistic only" not the answer?

Kappa assesses agreement beyond chance.

Why is "Odds ratio only" not the answer?

Odds ratios can be calculated but are not the only or defining direct risk measure.

Why is "Positive predictive value only" not the answer?

PPV relates to diagnostic testing.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study design: cohort in PSM. Case-control studies typically estimate an odds ratio instead.

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: cohort?

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.