Bias: recall bias: 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 · Bias: recall bias

Sample item

In a case-control study of childhood illness, parents of affected children remember household pesticide use more intensely than parents of unaffected children. What bias is this?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Recall bias

Recall bias occurs when accuracy or completeness of recalled exposure differs between study groups. It is particularly important in retrospective studies relying on memory.

Option by option

  • A. Observer calibration

    Calibration concerns measurement instruments.

  • B. Lead-time bias

    Lead-time bias affects apparent survival after earlier diagnosis.

  • C. Recall bias (correct)

    Correct. Differential recall can distort the exposure-disease association.

  • D. Selection bias only

    Selection bias concerns how participants enter or remain in the study.

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, Recall bias. Recall bias occurs when accuracy or completeness of recalled exposure differs between study groups.

Why is "Observer calibration" not the answer?

Calibration concerns measurement instruments.

Why is "Lead-time bias" not the answer?

Lead-time bias affects apparent survival after earlier diagnosis.

Why is "Selection bias only" not the answer?

Selection bias concerns how participants enter or remain in the study.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bias: recall bias in PSM. It is particularly important in retrospective studies relying on memory.

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 Bias: recall bias?

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.