Epidemiology: 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

Sample item

Which study design is the most efficient for investigating risk factors of a rare disease?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Case-control study

Case-control studies start with cases and compare past exposures with matched controls, which is quick and cheap for rare outcomes. Cohort studies would need huge numbers to see enough events.

Option by option

  • A. Case-control study (correct)

    Correct.

  • B. Cross-sectional study

    A cross-sectional study would capture too few cases.

  • C. Randomised controlled trial

    An RCT is for testing interventions, and would be impractical here.

  • D. Cohort study

    A cohort would need very large follow-up to capture a rare outcome.

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, Case-control study. Case-control studies start with cases and compare past exposures with matched controls, which is quick and cheap for rare outcomes.

Why is "Cross-sectional study" not the answer?

A cross-sectional study would capture too few cases.

Why is "Randomised controlled trial" not the answer?

An RCT is for testing interventions, and would be impractical here.

Why is "Cohort study" not the answer?

A cohort would need very large follow-up to capture a rare outcome.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. Cohort studies would need huge numbers to see enough events.

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 Epidemiology?

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.