Epidemiology: meta-analysis and forest plot: 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: meta-analysis and forest plot

Sample item

A forest plot is most commonly used to display the results of:

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. A meta-analysis

A forest plot shows effect estimates with confidence intervals for individual studies and the pooled estimate in a meta-analysis. A funnel plot, in contrast, examines publication bias.

Option by option

  • A. A life table analysis

    Life tables are tabulated or plotted as survival curves.

  • B. A cross-sectional survey

    Surveys are presented with tables and histograms.

  • C. A meta-analysis (correct)

    Correct. Forest plots show individual and pooled effects in a meta-analysis.

  • D. A case report

    Case reports are narrative.

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 C, A meta-analysis. A forest plot shows effect estimates with confidence intervals for individual studies and the pooled estimate in a meta-analysis.

Why is "A life table analysis" not the answer?

Life tables are tabulated or plotted as survival curves.

Why is "A cross-sectional survey" not the answer?

Surveys are presented with tables and histograms.

Why is "A case report" not the answer?

Case reports are narrative.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: meta-analysis and forest plot in PSM. A funnel plot, in contrast, examines publication bias.

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: meta-analysis and forest plot?

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.