Epidemiology: Mantel-Haenszel method: 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 · Epidemiology: Mantel-Haenszel method

Sample item

A case-control study stratifies subjects into age groups and the odds ratio in each stratum is similar. The investigator wants one summary odds ratio adjusted for age. Which method is appropriate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Mantel-Haenszel summary odds ratio

The Mantel-Haenszel procedure combines stratum-specific odds ratios into a single weighted summary adjusted for the stratifying variable. It is used when the stratum estimates are reasonably homogeneous. If they differ widely, effect modification should be reported instead.

Option by option

  • A. Pearson correlation coefficient

    Pearson correlation measures linear association between two continuous variables.

  • B. Student's unpaired t-test

    The unpaired t-test compares means of two independent groups.

  • C. Mantel-Haenszel summary odds ratio (correct)

    Correct. It pools stratified 2 by 2 tables into an adjusted summary odds ratio.

  • D. Kaplan-Meier estimate

    The Kaplan-Meier method estimates survival over time with censoring.

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.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is C, Mantel-Haenszel summary odds ratio. The Mantel-Haenszel procedure combines stratum-specific odds ratios into a single weighted summary adjusted for the stratifying variable.

Why is "Pearson correlation coefficient" not the answer?

Pearson correlation measures linear association between two continuous variables.

Why is "Student's unpaired t-test" not the answer?

The unpaired t-test compares means of two independent groups.

Why is "Kaplan-Meier estimate" not the answer?

The Kaplan-Meier method estimates survival over time with censoring.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: Mantel-Haenszel method in PSM. It is used when the stratum estimates are reasonably homogeneous. If they differ widely, effect modification should be reported instead.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Epidemiology: Mantel-Haenszel method?

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.