Epidemiology: detection 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 · Epidemiology: detection bias

Sample item

Women using oestrogen replacement attend gynaecologists more often and have more examinations than non-users, so more cases of early endometrial cancer are found among them. Which bias may produce an apparent link between oestrogen and the cancer?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Detection bias

Detection or surveillance bias arises when the exposure leads to closer observation, so the outcome is found more often in the exposed group even if its true frequency is the same. Recall bias is differential memory, Berkson's bias is hospital admission selection, and Neyman bias is a selection bias caused by studying prevalent rather than incident cases.

Option by option

  • A. Detection bias (correct)

    Correct. More frequent examination in users finds more disease, which is detection bias.

  • B. Recall bias

    Recall bias concerns accuracy of memory about the exposure, not the intensity of examination.

  • C. Berkson's bias

    Berkson's bias arises from the selection of hospital patients.

  • D. Neyman bias

    Neyman bias arises from studying survivors of a disease, not from examination frequency.

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, Detection bias. Detection or surveillance bias arises when the exposure leads to closer observation, so the outcome is found more often in the exposed group even if its true frequency is the same.

Why is "Recall bias" not the answer?

Recall bias concerns accuracy of memory about the exposure, not the intensity of examination.

Why is "Berkson's bias" not the answer?

Berkson's bias arises from the selection of hospital patients.

Why is "Neyman bias" not the answer?

Neyman bias arises from studying survivors of a disease, not from examination frequency.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: detection bias in PSM. Recall bias is differential memory, Berkson's bias is hospital admission selection, and Neyman bias is a selection bias caused by studying prevalent rather than incident cases.

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: detection 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.