Study design: 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 design

Sample item

What does random allocation in a clinical trial primarily aim to achieve?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Balance known and unknown confounders between groups

Random allocation makes treatment groups comparable on average for both measured and unmeasured baseline factors, strengthening causal inference.

Option by option

  • A. Remove the need for informed consent

    Consent remains essential in research.

  • B. Guarantee that every participant improves

    Treatment benefit is never guaranteed for each participant.

  • C. Balance known and unknown confounders between groups (correct)

    Correct: randomization reduces systematic baseline imbalance.

  • D. Ensure investigators know the assigned treatment

    Blinding, not randomization, limits knowledge of assignment.

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, Balance known and unknown confounders between groups. Random allocation makes treatment groups comparable on average for both measured and unmeasured baseline factors, strengthening causal inference.

Why is "Remove the need for informed consent" not the answer?

Consent remains essential in research.

Why is "Guarantee that every participant improves" not the answer?

Treatment benefit is never guaranteed for each participant.

Why is "Ensure investigators know the assigned treatment" not the answer?

Blinding, not randomization, limits knowledge of assignment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study design in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: randomization reduces systematic baseline imbalance.

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 design?

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.