Screening: 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 · Screening

Sample item

What is verification bias in a diagnostic study?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Only some test results receive reference-standard confirmation

Verification bias occurs when confirmation by the reference standard depends on the index-test result, distorting estimated test accuracy.

Option by option

  • A. Only some test results receive reference-standard confirmation (correct)

    Correct: unequal confirmation biases accuracy estimates.

  • B. Participants are lost after treatment

    Loss after treatment is attrition.

  • C. All patients receive blinded reference test

    Universal blinded verification reduces this bias.

  • D. Exposure is remembered differently

    Differential recall is recall bias.

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, Only some test results receive reference-standard confirmation. Verification bias occurs when confirmation by the reference standard depends on the index-test result, distorting estimated test accuracy.

Why is "Participants are lost after treatment" not the answer?

Loss after treatment is attrition.

Why is "All patients receive blinded reference test" not the answer?

Universal blinded verification reduces this bias.

Why is "Exposure is remembered differently" not the answer?

Differential recall is recall bias.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Screening in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: unequal confirmation biases accuracy estimates.

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 Screening?

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.