Epidemiology: choice of design for rare exposure: 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: choice of design for rare exposure

Sample item

A researcher wants to study the effect of a rare occupational exposure (such as vinyl chloride) on several outcomes. The most efficient design is:

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Cohort study of exposed and unexposed workers

Cohort studies are suited to rare exposures because exposed persons can be selected deliberately and followed for multiple outcomes. Case-control studies are better for rare diseases.

Option by option

  • A. Cohort study of exposed and unexposed workers (correct)

    Correct. Cohort design handles rare exposures and multiple outcomes.

  • B. Case-control study

    Case-control is more efficient for rare outcomes.

  • C. Cross-sectional study

    Cross-sectional study would capture few exposed persons.

  • D. Ecological study

    Ecological studies are limited by the ecological fallacy.

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, Cohort study of exposed and unexposed workers. Cohort studies are suited to rare exposures because exposed persons can be selected deliberately and followed for multiple outcomes.

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

Case-control is more efficient for rare outcomes.

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

Cross-sectional study would capture few exposed persons.

Why is "Ecological study" not the answer?

Ecological studies are limited by the ecological fallacy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: choice of design for rare exposure in PSM. Case-control studies are better for rare diseases.

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: choice of design for rare exposure?

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.