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.

Try it

PSM · Epidemiology

Sample item

In a study, mothers of children with congenital anomalies recall drugs taken in pregnancy more completely than mothers of healthy children. Which bias is operating?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Recall bias

Recall bias occurs when cases remember past exposures differently from controls, typical of case-control studies relying on memory. It can create a spurious association or exaggerate a real one.

Option by option

  • A. Berkson bias

    Berkson bias arises from different hospital admission rates for cases and controls.

  • B. Recall bias (correct)

    Correct. Differential memory of exposure between cases and controls is recall bias.

  • C. Lead-time bias

    Lead-time bias is seen in screening, where earlier diagnosis falsely seems to lengthen survival.

  • D. Healthy worker effect

    The healthy worker effect arises when employed groups are healthier than the general population.

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 B, Recall bias. Recall bias occurs when cases remember past exposures differently from controls, typical of case-control studies relying on memory.

Why is "Berkson bias" not the answer?

Berkson bias arises from different hospital admission rates for cases and controls.

Why is "Lead-time bias" not the answer?

Lead-time bias is seen in screening, where earlier diagnosis falsely seems to lengthen survival.

Why is "Healthy worker effect" not the answer?

The healthy worker effect arises when employed groups are healthier than the general population.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology in PSM. It can create a spurious association or exaggerate a real one.

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.