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 p value represent under a null hypothesis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Probability of data at least as extreme as observed

A p value quantifies how compatible observed data are with the null hypothesis, not the probability that the null itself is true.

Option by option

  • A. Probability of data at least as extreme as observed (correct)

    Correct: it is a conditional probability under null.

  • B. Probability study is unbiased

    Bias is a design issue.

  • C. Probability that null hypothesis is true

    It does not give null truth probability.

  • D. Size of clinical benefit

    Clinical importance requires effect size and context.

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, Probability of data at least as extreme as observed. A p value quantifies how compatible observed data are with the null hypothesis, not the probability that the null itself is true.

Why is "Probability study is unbiased" not the answer?

Bias is a design issue.

Why is "Probability that null hypothesis is true" not the answer?

It does not give null truth probability.

Why is "Size of clinical benefit" not the answer?

Clinical importance requires effect size and context.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics in PSM. The correct option holds because: Correct: it is a conditional probability under null.

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.