Bias: 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 · Bias

Sample item

What bias can make screening appear to improve survival simply by earlier diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Lead-time bias

This Bias item is answered by Lead-time bias, which directly follows the principle relevant to the observation, documentation, or public-health action described.

Option by option

  • A. Lead-time bias (correct)

    Correct. Lead-time bias most directly matches the defining clue in this item.

  • B. Recall bias

    Recall bias does not establish the requested bias conclusion.

  • C. Sampling error

    Sampling error may be associated with another setting but is not the best fit here.

  • D. Confounding by indication

    Confounding by indication does not explain the stated finding or appropriate intervention.

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, Lead-time bias. This Bias item is answered by Lead-time bias, which directly follows the principle relevant to the observation, documentation, or public-health action described.

Why is "Recall bias" not the answer?

Recall bias does not establish the requested bias conclusion.

Why is "Sampling error" not the answer?

Sampling error may be associated with another setting but is not the best fit here.

Why is "Confounding by indication" not the answer?

Confounding by indication does not explain the stated finding or appropriate intervention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bias in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct. Lead-time bias most directly matches the defining clue in this item.

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 Bias?

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.