Biostatistics: 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 · Biostatistics

Sample item

Which measure is best for skewed household-income data?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Median with interquartile range

The median and interquartile range describe a skewed distribution robustly because extreme values can distort the arithmetic mean.

Option by option

  • A. Mean with standard deviation only

    Mean and SD can be misleading when heavily skewed.

  • B. Median with interquartile range (correct)

    Correct: median and IQR resist outliers.

  • C. Risk ratio

    Risk ratio measures association.

  • D. Mode alone

    Mode is incomplete summary.

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, Median with interquartile range. The median and interquartile range describe a skewed distribution robustly because extreme values can distort the arithmetic mean.

Why is "Mean with standard deviation only" not the answer?

Mean and SD can be misleading when heavily skewed.

Why is "Risk ratio" not the answer?

Risk ratio measures association.

Why is "Mode alone" not the answer?

Mode is incomplete summary.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: median and IQR resist outliers.

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 Biostatistics?

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.