Study design: case-control: 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: case-control

Sample item

Which feature defines a case-control study?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Participants are selected based on disease status and prior exposures are compared

Case-control studies begin with cases and controls, then compare prior exposure histories. They are useful for rare diseases and commonly estimate odds ratios.

Option by option

  • A. A population is followed forward from exposure

    Following exposed and unexposed people forward describes a cohort study.

  • B. Only one patient is described

    A single patient description is a case report.

  • C. Participants are randomized to treatment

    Randomization defines a randomized controlled trial.

  • D. Participants are selected based on disease status and prior exposures are compared (correct)

    Correct. Selection by outcome status is the defining design feature.

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 D, Participants are selected based on disease status and prior exposures are compared. Case-control studies begin with cases and controls, then compare prior exposure histories.

Why is "A population is followed forward from exposure" not the answer?

Following exposed and unexposed people forward describes a cohort study.

Why is "Only one patient is described" not the answer?

A single patient description is a case report.

Why is "Participants are randomized to treatment" not the answer?

Randomization defines a randomized controlled trial.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Study design: case-control in PSM. They are useful for rare diseases and commonly estimate odds ratios.

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: case-control?

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.