Concept of causation: wheel model: 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 · Concept of causation: wheel model

Sample item

A model of disease causation depicts a host with a genetic core at the centre, surrounded by biological, social and physical environments, with the size of each part varying with the disease. This is known as the:

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Wheel model of causation

The wheel model shows the host at the hub with a genetic core, and the surrounding wheel is divided into biological, social and physical environmental sectors. The size of each segment depends on the disease being studied. It does not name an agent as a separate entity.

Option by option

  • A. Natural history model

    The natural history model describes the stages of a disease from pre-pathogenesis to outcome.

  • B. Epidemiological triad

    The triad places agent, host and environment at the corners of a triangle.

  • C. Web of causation

    The web of causation is a network of interlinked antecedent factors leading to disease.

  • D. Wheel model of causation (correct)

    Correct. The hub and surrounding environment sectors define the wheel model.

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.

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Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, Wheel model of causation. The wheel model shows the host at the hub with a genetic core, and the surrounding wheel is divided into biological, social and physical environmental sectors.

Why is "Natural history model" not the answer?

The natural history model describes the stages of a disease from pre-pathogenesis to outcome.

Why is "Epidemiological triad" not the answer?

The triad places agent, host and environment at the corners of a triangle.

Why is "Web of causation" not the answer?

The web of causation is a network of interlinked antecedent factors leading to disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Concept of causation: wheel model in PSM. The size of each segment depends on the disease being studied. It does not name an agent as a separate entity.

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 Concept of causation: wheel model?

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.