Study designs: 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 · Study designs

Sample item

What does random allocation primarily reduce in a trial?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Confounding

Random allocation tends to balance both known and unknown confounders between intervention groups, strengthening causal inference when implementation is sound.

Option by option

  • A. Confounding (correct)

    Correct: randomization reduces confounding between study groups.

  • B. All measurement error

    Measurement error is not eliminated by random assignment.

  • C. Recall bias completely

    Recall bias can still occur depending on outcome assessment.

  • D. Loss to follow-up

    Participants can still be lost to follow-up after randomization.

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, Confounding. Random allocation tends to balance both known and unknown confounders between intervention groups, strengthening causal inference when implementation is sound.

Why is "All measurement error" not the answer?

Measurement error is not eliminated by random assignment.

Why is "Recall bias completely" not the answer?

Recall bias can still occur depending on outcome assessment.

Why is "Loss to follow-up" not the answer?

Participants can still be lost to follow-up after randomization.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study designs in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: randomization reduces confounding between study groups.

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 Study designs?

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.