Biostatistics: content validity: 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: content validity

Sample item

A team develops a new questionnaire on tuberculosis symptoms. Before use, a panel of chest physicians checks whether the questionnaire covers all relevant symptoms. Which property is being assessed?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Content validity

Content validity is the extent to which an instrument covers the full range of the concept it intends to measure, usually judged by experts. Criterion validity compares the instrument with a gold standard. Reliability concerns consistency of repeated or independent measurement and not coverage.

Option by option

  • A. Inter-observer reliability

    Inter-observer reliability needs agreement between different observers.

  • B. Content validity (correct)

    Correct. Expert review of whether all relevant symptoms are covered tests content validity.

  • C. Criterion validity

    Criterion validity needs comparison with an established gold standard.

  • D. Test-retest reliability

    Test-retest reliability needs repeated administration over time.

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 B, Content validity. Content validity is the extent to which an instrument covers the full range of the concept it intends to measure, usually judged by experts.

Why is "Inter-observer reliability" not the answer?

Inter-observer reliability needs agreement between different observers.

Why is "Criterion validity" not the answer?

Criterion validity needs comparison with an established gold standard.

Why is "Test-retest reliability" not the answer?

Test-retest reliability needs repeated administration over time.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Biostatistics: content validity in PSM. Criterion validity compares the instrument with a gold standard. Reliability concerns consistency of repeated or independent measurement and not coverage.

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: content validity?

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.