Bias: 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 · Bias

Sample item

What is misclassification bias?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Incorrect assignment of exposure or outcome status

Misclassification occurs when participants are assigned wrong exposure, disease, or outcome category, potentially biasing associations toward or away from null.

Option by option

  • A. Incorrect assignment of exposure or outcome status (correct)

    Correct: wrong categorization is misclassification.

  • B. Excessive statistical power

    Power relates to false negatives.

  • C. Failure to recruit enough controls

    Control recruitment is selection concern.

  • D. Using a randomized trial

    Randomization reduces confounding.

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, Incorrect assignment of exposure or outcome status. Misclassification occurs when participants are assigned wrong exposure, disease, or outcome category, potentially biasing associations toward or away from null.

Why is "Excessive statistical power" not the answer?

Power relates to false negatives.

Why is "Failure to recruit enough controls" not the answer?

Control recruitment is selection concern.

Why is "Using a randomized trial" not the answer?

Randomization reduces confounding.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bias in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: wrong categorization is misclassification.

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 Bias?

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.