Research ethics: 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 · Research ethics

Sample item

What is equipoise in a randomized clinical trial?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Genuine uncertainty about which treatment is better

Clinical equipoise exists when the expert community has genuine uncertainty about comparative merits of interventions, ethically supporting random allocation.

Option by option

  • A. Certainty that new treatment is superior

    Known superiority removes equipoise.

  • B. Participant refusal to consent

    Consent remains required.

  • C. Absence of safety monitoring

    Safety monitoring remains essential.

  • D. Genuine uncertainty about which treatment is better (correct)

    Correct: uncertainty justifies fair randomization.

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 D, Genuine uncertainty about which treatment is better. Clinical equipoise exists when the expert community has genuine uncertainty about comparative merits of interventions, ethically supporting random allocation.

Why is "Certainty that new treatment is superior" not the answer?

Known superiority removes equipoise.

Why is "Participant refusal to consent" not the answer?

Consent remains required.

Why is "Absence of safety monitoring" not the answer?

Safety monitoring remains essential.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Research ethics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: uncertainty justifies fair randomization.

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 Research ethics?

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.