Biostatistics: 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 · Biostatistics

Sample item

What does a 95 percent confidence interval around a risk ratio communicate?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. A range of plausible values from repeated-sampling uncertainty

A confidence interval expresses precision around an estimate under repeated sampling assumptions; for risk ratios, an interval excluding one is often statistically significant.

Option by option

  • A. Proof that the result is clinically important

    Statistical precision alone does not establish clinical importance.

  • B. The exact size of unmeasured confounding

    Unmeasured confounding is not measured by a confidence interval.

  • C. The probability that every participant has the outcome

    It does not assign outcome probability to every participant.

  • D. A range of plausible values from repeated-sampling uncertainty (correct)

    Correct: the interval quantifies sampling uncertainty around the estimate.

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.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, A range of plausible values from repeated-sampling uncertainty. A confidence interval expresses precision around an estimate under repeated sampling assumptions; for risk ratios, an interval excluding one is often statistically significant.

Why is "Proof that the result is clinically important" not the answer?

Statistical precision alone does not establish clinical importance.

Why is "The exact size of unmeasured confounding" not the answer?

Unmeasured confounding is not measured by a confidence interval.

Why is "The probability that every participant has the outcome" not the answer?

It does not assign outcome probability to every participant.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: the interval quantifies sampling uncertainty around the estimate.

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 Biostatistics?

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.