Research methods: 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 · Research methods

Sample item

What is allocation concealment designed to prevent?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Foreknowledge of the next treatment assignment during recruitment

Allocation concealment prevents recruiters from predicting the next trial assignment, reducing selection bias at the point participants enter a study.

Option by option

  • A. Foreknowledge of the next treatment assignment during recruitment (correct)

    Correct: concealment protects the random sequence before enrolment.

  • B. Recall bias after an outbreak

    Recall bias concerns past exposure reporting.

  • C. Incorrect laboratory calibration

    Calibration relates to measurement accuracy.

  • D. Loss to follow-up after randomization

    Loss to follow-up is attrition bias.

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, Foreknowledge of the next treatment assignment during recruitment. Allocation concealment prevents recruiters from predicting the next trial assignment, reducing selection bias at the point participants enter a study.

Why is "Recall bias after an outbreak" not the answer?

Recall bias concerns past exposure reporting.

Why is "Incorrect laboratory calibration" not the answer?

Calibration relates to measurement accuracy.

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

Loss to follow-up is attrition bias.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Research methods in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: concealment protects the random sequence before enrolment.

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 Research methods?

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.