Biostatistics: 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 · Biostatistics

Sample item

A researcher wishes to compare mean systolic blood pressure between two independent groups of patients receiving different drugs, assuming approximately normal data. Which test is suitable?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Unpaired t-test

Comparison of means in two independent groups of quantitative, normally distributed data uses the unpaired Student t-test. A paired t-test is for before-and-after values in the same individuals, and chi-square compares proportions.

Option by option

  • A. Paired t-test

    The paired t-test applies to repeated measurements in the same subjects, not independent groups.

  • B. Unpaired t-test (correct)

    Correct. It compares the means of two unrelated samples.

  • C. Chi-square test

    Chi-square is for categorical data such as proportions, not mean values.

  • D. Spearman rank correlation

    Spearman correlation measures association between two variables rather than comparing group means.

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, Unpaired t-test. Comparison of means in two independent groups of quantitative, normally distributed data uses the unpaired Student t-test.

Why is "Paired t-test" not the answer?

The paired t-test applies to repeated measurements in the same subjects, not independent groups.

Why is "Chi-square test" not the answer?

Chi-square is for categorical data such as proportions, not mean values.

Why is "Spearman rank correlation" not the answer?

Spearman correlation measures association between two variables rather than comparing group means.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics in PSM. A paired t-test is for before-and-after values in the same individuals, and chi-square compares proportions.

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 Biostatistics?

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.