Epidemiologic measures: 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 · Epidemiologic measures

Sample item

Which measure is commonly estimated in a case-control study to quantify association?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Odds ratio

Case-control studies sample by outcome status, so the odds ratio compares exposure odds between cases and controls and can approximate a risk ratio when the disease is rare under appropriate conditions.

Option by option

  • A. Incidence rate directly

    Incidence rates are not directly measured when sampling begins with cases and controls.

  • B. Population census count

    A census count is not an exposure-outcome association measure.

  • C. Odds ratio (correct)

    Correct: odds ratio is the standard association measure in case-control studies.

  • D. Risk difference directly

    Risk difference generally requires incidence estimates from defined populations.

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, Odds ratio. Case-control studies sample by outcome status, so the odds ratio compares exposure odds between cases and controls and can approximate a risk ratio when the disease is rare under appropriate conditions.

Why is "Incidence rate directly" not the answer?

Incidence rates are not directly measured when sampling begins with cases and controls.

Why is "Population census count" not the answer?

A census count is not an exposure-outcome association measure.

Why is "Risk difference directly" not the answer?

Risk difference generally requires incidence estimates from defined populations.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiologic measures in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: odds ratio is the standard association measure in case-control studies.

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 Epidemiologic measures?

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.