Demography: 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.

Try it

PSM · Demography

Sample item

What does dependency ratio compare?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Non-working-age population relative to working-age population

Dependency ratio compares children and older adults with the working-age population, indicating potential economic support burden.

Option by option

  • A. Deaths relative to births only

    Death-to-birth comparison is natural increase.

  • B. Non-working-age population relative to working-age population (correct)

    Correct: it estimates dependent population relative to workers.

  • C. Urban residents relative to rural residents

    Urban-rural proportion is a settlement indicator.

  • D. Women relative to men only

    Sex ratio compares males and females.

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 B, Non-working-age population relative to working-age population. Dependency ratio compares children and older adults with the working-age population, indicating potential economic support burden.

Why is "Deaths relative to births only" not the answer?

Death-to-birth comparison is natural increase.

Why is "Urban residents relative to rural residents" not the answer?

Urban-rural proportion is a settlement indicator.

Why is "Women relative to men only" not the answer?

Sex ratio compares males and females.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Demography in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: it estimates dependent population relative to workers.

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 Demography?

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.