Study design: 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

Sample item

What is the main limitation of a cross-sectional study?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cannot establish temporal sequence reliably

Cross-sectional studies measure exposure and outcome together, so they estimate prevalence but often cannot determine whether exposure preceded disease.

Option by option

  • A. Cannot establish temporal sequence reliably (correct)

    Correct: simultaneity limits causal temporality.

  • B. Always requires decades of follow-up

    They do not require long follow-up.

  • C. Cannot measure prevalence

    Prevalence is a key cross-sectional measure.

  • D. Cannot include healthy participants

    Healthy people may be included.

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, Cannot establish temporal sequence reliably. Cross-sectional studies measure exposure and outcome together, so they estimate prevalence but often cannot determine whether exposure preceded disease.

Why is "Always requires decades of follow-up" not the answer?

They do not require long follow-up.

Why is "Cannot measure prevalence" not the answer?

Prevalence is a key cross-sectional measure.

Why is "Cannot include healthy participants" not the answer?

Healthy people may be included.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study design in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: simultaneity limits causal temporality.

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?

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.