Epidemiology: historical cohort study: 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: historical cohort study

Sample item

A researcher uses factory records from 1990 to classify workers by dust exposure and then determines who developed lung disease by 2020. This design is best called:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Historical (retrospective) cohort study

In a historical cohort, exposure is ascertained from past records and the outcome has already occurred when the study starts, but groups are defined by exposure. This distinguishes it from case-control, where groups are defined by outcome.

Option by option

  • A. Historical (retrospective) cohort study (correct)

    Correct. Groups were formed by exposure from past records and followed to outcome.

  • B. Randomised controlled trial

    No intervention was assigned, so it is not a trial.

  • C. Cross-sectional study

    Cross-sectional studies measure exposure and outcome at one time.

  • D. Case-control study

    A case-control study would select people by disease status first.

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, Historical (retrospective) cohort study. In a historical cohort, exposure is ascertained from past records and the outcome has already occurred when the study starts, but groups are defined by exposure.

Why is "Randomised controlled trial" not the answer?

No intervention was assigned, so it is not a trial.

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

Cross-sectional studies measure exposure and outcome at one time.

Why is "Case-control study" not the answer?

A case-control study would select people by disease status first.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: historical cohort study in PSM. This distinguishes it from case-control, where groups are defined by outcome.

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: historical cohort study?

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.