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Question 1
Correct
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What is the appropriate denominator for calculating cumulative incidence?
Your Answer: The number of disease free people at the beginning of a specified time period
Explanation:Measures of Disease Frequency: Incidence and Prevalence
Incidence and prevalence are two important measures of disease frequency. Incidence measures the speed at which new cases of a disease are emerging, while prevalence measures the burden of disease within a population. Cumulative incidence and incidence rate are two types of incidence measures, while point prevalence and period prevalence are two types of prevalence measures.
Cumulative incidence is the average risk of getting a disease over a certain period of time, while incidence rate is a measure of the speed at which new cases are emerging. Prevalence is a proportion and is a measure of the burden of disease within a population. Point prevalence measures the number of cases in a defined population at a specific point in time, while period prevalence measures the number of identified cases during a specified period of time.
It is important to note that prevalence is equal to incidence multiplied by the duration of the condition. In chronic diseases, the prevalence is much greater than the incidence. The incidence rate is stated in units of person-time, while cumulative incidence is always a proportion. When describing cumulative incidence, it is necessary to give the follow-up period over which the risk is estimated. In acute diseases, the prevalence and incidence may be similar, while for conditions such as the common cold, the incidence may be greater than the prevalence.
Incidence is a useful measure to study disease etiology and risk factors, while prevalence is useful for health resource planning. Understanding these measures of disease frequency is important for public health professionals and researchers in order to effectively monitor and address the burden of disease within populations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 2
Incorrect
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How can confounding be controlled during the analysis stage of a study?
Your Answer: Randomization
Correct Answer: Stratification
Explanation:Stratification is a method of managing confounding by dividing the data into two or more groups where the confounding variable remains constant of varies minimally.
Types of Bias in Statistics
Bias is a systematic error that can lead to incorrect conclusions. Confounding factors are variables that are associated with both the outcome and the exposure but have no causative role. Confounding can be addressed in the design and analysis stage of a study. The main method of controlling confounding in the analysis phase is stratification analysis. The main methods used in the design stage are matching, randomization, and restriction of participants.
There are two main types of bias: selection bias and information bias. Selection bias occurs when the selected sample is not a representative sample of the reference population. Disease spectrum bias, self-selection bias, participation bias, incidence-prevalence bias, exclusion bias, publication of dissemination bias, citation bias, and Berkson’s bias are all subtypes of selection bias. Information bias occurs when gathered information about exposure, outcome, of both is not correct and there was an error in measurement. Detection bias, recall bias, lead time bias, interviewer/observer bias, verification and work-up bias, Hawthorne effect, and ecological fallacy are all subtypes of information bias.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 3
Correct
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Which of the following statistical measures does not indicate the spread of variability of data?
Your Answer: Mean
Explanation:The mean, mode, and median are all measures of central tendency.
Measures of dispersion are used to indicate the variation of spread of a data set, often in conjunction with a measure of central tendency such as the mean of median. The range, which is the difference between the largest and smallest value, is the simplest measure of dispersion. The interquartile range, which is the difference between the 3rd and 1st quartiles, is another useful measure. Quartiles divide a data set into quarters, and the interquartile range can provide additional information about the spread of the data. However, to get a more representative idea of spread, measures such as the variance and standard deviation are needed. The variance gives an indication of how much the items in the data set vary from the mean, while the standard deviation reflects the distribution of individual scores around their mean. The standard deviation is expressed in the same units as the data set and can be used to indicate how confident we are that data points lie within a particular range. The standard error of the mean is an inferential statistic used to estimate the population mean and is a measure of the spread expected for the mean of the observations. Confidence intervals are often presented alongside sample results such as the mean value, indicating a range that is likely to contain the true value.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 4
Correct
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A study examines the benefits of adding an intensive package of dialectic behavioural therapy (DBT) to standard care following an episode of serious self-harm in adolescents. The following results are obtained:
Percentage of adolescents having a further episode
of serious self harm within 3 months
Standard care 4%
Standard care and intensive DBT 3%
What is the number needed to treat to prevent one adolescent having a further episode of serious self harm within 3 months?Your Answer: 100
Explanation:The number needed to treat (NNT) is equal to 100. This means that for every 100 patients treated, one patient will benefit from the treatment. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) is 0.01, which is the difference between the control event rate (CER) of 0.04 and the experimental event rate (EER) of 0.03.
Measures of Effect in Clinical Studies
When conducting clinical studies, we often want to know the effect of treatments of exposures on health outcomes. Measures of effect are used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and include the odds ratio (of), risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and number needed to treat (NNT). Dichotomous (binary) outcome data are common in clinical trials, where the outcome for each participant is one of two possibilities, such as dead of alive, of clinical improvement of no improvement.
To understand the difference between of and RR, it’s important to know the difference between risks and odds. Risk is a proportion that describes the probability of a health outcome occurring, while odds is a ratio that compares the probability of an event occurring to the probability of it not occurring. Absolute risk is the basic risk, while risk difference is the difference between the absolute risk of an event in the intervention group and the absolute risk in the control group. Relative risk is the ratio of risk in the intervention group to the risk in the control group.
The number needed to treat (NNT) is the number of patients who need to be treated for one to benefit. Odds are calculated by dividing the number of times an event happens by the number of times it does not happen. The odds ratio is the odds of an outcome given a particular exposure versus the odds of an outcome in the absence of the exposure. It is commonly used in case-control studies and can also be used in cross-sectional and cohort study designs. An odds ratio of 1 indicates no difference in risk between the two groups, while an odds ratio >1 indicates an increased risk and an odds ratio <1 indicates a reduced risk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 5
Correct
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Which type of variable does the measurement of temperature on the Kelvin scale represent?
Your Answer: Ratio
Explanation:The distinction between interval and ratio scales is illustrated by the fact that ratio scales have a non-arbitrary zero point and meaningful ratios between values. Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature measurements are examples of interval scales, while the Kelvin scale is a ratio scale due to its zero point representing the complete absence of heat and the meaningful ratios between its values.
Scales of Measurement in Statistics
In the 1940s, Stanley Smith Stevens introduced four scales of measurement to categorize data variables. Knowing the scale of measurement for a variable is crucial in selecting the appropriate statistical analysis. The four scales of measurement are ratio, interval, ordinal, and nominal.
Ratio scales are similar to interval scales, but they have true zero points. Examples of ratio scales include weight, time, and length. Interval scales measure the difference between two values, and one unit on the scale represents the same magnitude on the trait of characteristic being measured across the whole range of the scale. The Fahrenheit scale for temperature is an example of an interval scale.
Ordinal scales categorize observed values into set categories that can be ordered, but the intervals between each value are uncertain. Examples of ordinal scales include social class, education level, and income level. Nominal scales categorize observed values into set categories that have no particular order of hierarchy. Examples of nominal scales include genotype, blood type, and political party.
Data can also be categorized as quantitative of qualitative. Quantitative variables take on numeric values and can be further classified into discrete and continuous types. Qualitative variables do not take on numerical values and are usually names. Some qualitative variables have an inherent order in their categories and are described as ordinal. Qualitative variables are also called categorical of nominal variables. When a qualitative variable has only two categories, it is called a binary variable.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 6
Incorrect
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A study is conducted to investigate whether a new exercise program has any impact on weight loss. A total of 300 participants are enrolled from various locations and are randomly assigned to either the exercise group of the control group. Weight measurements are taken at the beginning of the study and at the end of a six-month period.
What is the most effective method of visually presenting the data?Your Answer: Histogram
Correct Answer: Kaplan-Meier plot
Explanation:The Kaplan-Meier plot is the most effective graphical representation of survival probability. It presents the overall likelihood of an individual’s survival over time from a baseline, and the comparison of two lines on the plot can indicate whether there is a survival advantage. To determine if the distinction between the two groups is significant, a log rank test can be employed.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 7
Correct
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How does the prevalence of a condition impact a particular aspect?
Your Answer: Positive predictive value
Explanation:The characteristics of precision, sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity are not influenced by the prevalence of the condition and remain stable. However, the positive predictive value is affected by the prevalence of the condition, particularly in cases where the prevalence is low. This is because a decrease in the prevalence of the condition leads to a decrease in the number of true positives, which in turn reduces the numerator of the PPV equation, resulting in a lower PPV. The formula for PPV is TP/(TP+FP).
Clinical tests are used to determine the presence of absence of a disease of condition. To interpret test results, it is important to have a working knowledge of statistics used to describe them. Two by two tables are commonly used to calculate test statistics such as sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the proportion of people with a condition that the test correctly identifies, while specificity refers to the proportion of people without a condition that the test correctly identifies. Accuracy tells us how closely a test measures to its true value, while predictive values help us understand the likelihood of having a disease based on a positive of negative test result. Likelihood ratios combine sensitivity and specificity into a single figure that can refine our estimation of the probability of a disease being present. Pre and post-test odds and probabilities can also be calculated to better understand the likelihood of having a disease before and after a test is carried out. Fagan’s nomogram is a useful tool for calculating post-test probabilities.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 8
Correct
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A new medication aimed at preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is being tested in clinical trials. One hundred patients over the age of 60 with early signs of AMD are given the new medication. Over a three month period, 10 of these patients experience progression of their AMD. In the control group, there are 300 patients over the age of 60 with early signs of AMD who are given a placebo. During the same time period, 50 of these patients experience progression of their AMD. What is the relative risk of AMD progression while taking the new medication?
Your Answer: 0.6
Explanation:The relative risk (RR) is calculated by dividing the exposure event rate (EER) by the control event rate (CER). In this case, the EER is 10 out of 100 (0.10) and the CER is 50 out of 300 (0.166). Therefore, the RR is calculated as 0.10 divided by 0.166, which equals 0.6.
Measures of Effect in Clinical Studies
When conducting clinical studies, we often want to know the effect of treatments of exposures on health outcomes. Measures of effect are used in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and include the odds ratio (of), risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and number needed to treat (NNT). Dichotomous (binary) outcome data are common in clinical trials, where the outcome for each participant is one of two possibilities, such as dead of alive, of clinical improvement of no improvement.
To understand the difference between of and RR, it’s important to know the difference between risks and odds. Risk is a proportion that describes the probability of a health outcome occurring, while odds is a ratio that compares the probability of an event occurring to the probability of it not occurring. Absolute risk is the basic risk, while risk difference is the difference between the absolute risk of an event in the intervention group and the absolute risk in the control group. Relative risk is the ratio of risk in the intervention group to the risk in the control group.
The number needed to treat (NNT) is the number of patients who need to be treated for one to benefit. Odds are calculated by dividing the number of times an event happens by the number of times it does not happen. The odds ratio is the odds of an outcome given a particular exposure versus the odds of an outcome in the absence of the exposure. It is commonly used in case-control studies and can also be used in cross-sectional and cohort study designs. An odds ratio of 1 indicates no difference in risk between the two groups, while an odds ratio >1 indicates an increased risk and an odds ratio <1 indicates a reduced risk.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 9
Correct
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A new clinical trial has found a correlation between alcohol consumption and lung cancer. Considering the well-known link between alcohol consumption and smoking, what is the most probable explanation for this new association?
Your Answer: Confounding
Explanation:The observed link between alcohol consumption and lung cancer is likely due to confounding factors, such as cigarette smoking. Confounding variables are those that are associated with both the independent and dependent variables, in this case, alcohol consumption and lung cancer.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 10
Incorrect
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What type of regression is appropriate for analyzing data with dichotomous variables?
Your Answer: Logical
Correct Answer: Logistic
Explanation:Logistic regression is employed when dealing with dichotomous variables, which are variables that have only two possible values, such as live/dead of head/tail.
Stats: Correlation and Regression
Correlation and regression are related but not interchangeable terms. Correlation is used to test for association between variables, while regression is used to predict values of dependent variables from independent variables. Correlation can be linear, non-linear, of non-existent, and can be strong, moderate, of weak. The strength of a linear relationship is measured by the correlation coefficient, which can be positive of negative and ranges from very weak to very strong. However, the interpretation of a correlation coefficient depends on the context and purposes. Correlation can suggest association but cannot prove of disprove causation. Linear regression, on the other hand, can be used to predict how much one variable changes when a second variable is changed. Scatter graphs are used in correlation and regression analyses to visually determine if variables are associated and to detect outliers. When constructing a scatter graph, the dependent variable is typically placed on the vertical axis and the independent variable on the horizontal axis.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 11
Incorrect
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What is the term used to describe the rate at which new cases of a disease are appearing, calculated by dividing the number of new cases by the total time that disease-free individuals are observed during a study period?
Your Answer: Cumulative incidence
Correct Answer: Incidence rate
Explanation:Measures of Disease Frequency: Incidence and Prevalence
Incidence and prevalence are two important measures of disease frequency. Incidence measures the speed at which new cases of a disease are emerging, while prevalence measures the burden of disease within a population. Cumulative incidence and incidence rate are two types of incidence measures, while point prevalence and period prevalence are two types of prevalence measures.
Cumulative incidence is the average risk of getting a disease over a certain period of time, while incidence rate is a measure of the speed at which new cases are emerging. Prevalence is a proportion and is a measure of the burden of disease within a population. Point prevalence measures the number of cases in a defined population at a specific point in time, while period prevalence measures the number of identified cases during a specified period of time.
It is important to note that prevalence is equal to incidence multiplied by the duration of the condition. In chronic diseases, the prevalence is much greater than the incidence. The incidence rate is stated in units of person-time, while cumulative incidence is always a proportion. When describing cumulative incidence, it is necessary to give the follow-up period over which the risk is estimated. In acute diseases, the prevalence and incidence may be similar, while for conditions such as the common cold, the incidence may be greater than the prevalence.
Incidence is a useful measure to study disease etiology and risk factors, while prevalence is useful for health resource planning. Understanding these measures of disease frequency is important for public health professionals and researchers in order to effectively monitor and address the burden of disease within populations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 12
Correct
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What is the term used to describe how a person's age affects their likelihood of reporting past exposure to a certain risk factor?
Your Answer: Recall bias
Explanation:Recall bias pertains to how a person’s illness status can influence their tendency to report past exposure to a risk factor. Confounding arises when an additional variable is associated with both an independent and dependent variable. Observer bias refers to the possibility that researchers’ cognitive biases may unconsciously impact the results of a study. Publication bias refers to the tendency for studies with positive results to be more likely to be published. Selection bias occurs when certain individuals of groups are overrepresented, leading to inadequate randomization.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 13
Correct
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What factors affect the statistical power of a study?
Your Answer: Sample size
Explanation:A study that has a greater sample size is considered to have higher power, meaning it is capable of detecting a significant difference of effect that is clinically relevant.
The Importance of Power in Statistical Analysis
Power is a crucial concept in statistical analysis as it helps researchers determine the number of participants needed in a study to detect a clinically significant difference of effect. It represents the probability of correctly rejecting the null hypothesis when it is false, which means avoiding a Type II error. Power values range from 0 to 1, with 0 indicating 0% and 1 indicating 100%. A power of 0.80 is generally considered the minimum acceptable level.
Several factors influence the power of a study, including sample size, effect size, and significance level. Larger sample sizes lead to more precise parameter estimations and increase the study’s ability to detect a significant effect. Effect size, which is determined at the beginning of a study, refers to the size of the difference between two means that leads to rejecting the null hypothesis. Finally, the significance level, also known as the alpha level, represents the probability of a Type I error. By considering these factors, researchers can optimize the power of their studies and increase the likelihood of detecting meaningful effects.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 14
Correct
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How can the pre-test probability be expressed in another way?
Your Answer: The prevalence of a condition
Explanation:The prevalence refers to the percentage of individuals in a population who currently have a particular condition, while the incidence is the frequency at which new cases of the condition arise within a specific timeframe.
Clinical tests are used to determine the presence of absence of a disease of condition. To interpret test results, it is important to have a working knowledge of statistics used to describe them. Two by two tables are commonly used to calculate test statistics such as sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the proportion of people with a condition that the test correctly identifies, while specificity refers to the proportion of people without a condition that the test correctly identifies. Accuracy tells us how closely a test measures to its true value, while predictive values help us understand the likelihood of having a disease based on a positive of negative test result. Likelihood ratios combine sensitivity and specificity into a single figure that can refine our estimation of the probability of a disease being present. Pre and post-test odds and probabilities can also be calculated to better understand the likelihood of having a disease before and after a test is carried out. Fagan’s nomogram is a useful tool for calculating post-test probabilities.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 15
Correct
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An endocrinologist conducts a study to determine if there is a correlation between a patient's age and their blood pressure. Assuming both age and blood pressure are normally distributed, what statistical test would be most suitable to use?
Your Answer: Pearson's product-moment coefficient
Explanation:Since the data is normally distributed and the study aims to evaluate the correlation between two variables, the most suitable test to use is Pearson’s product-moment coefficient. On the other hand, if the data is non-parametric, Spearman’s coefficient would be more appropriate.
Choosing the right statistical test can be challenging, but understanding the basic principles can help. Different tests have different assumptions, and using the wrong one can lead to inaccurate results. To identify the appropriate test, a flow chart can be used based on three main factors: the type of dependent variable, the type of data, and whether the groups/samples are independent of dependent. It is important to know which tests are parametric and non-parametric, as well as their alternatives. For example, the chi-squared test is used to assess differences in categorical variables and is non-parametric, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient measures linear correlation between two variables and is parametric. T-tests are used to compare means between two groups, and ANOVA is used to compare means between more than two groups. Non-parametric equivalents to ANOVA include the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of ranks, the Median test, Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance, and Cochran Q test. Understanding these tests and their assumptions can help researchers choose the appropriate statistical test for their data.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 16
Correct
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What is the accurate formula for determining the likelihood ratio of a negative test result?
Your Answer: (1 - sensitivity) / specificity
Explanation:Clinical tests are used to determine the presence of absence of a disease of condition. To interpret test results, it is important to have a working knowledge of statistics used to describe them. Two by two tables are commonly used to calculate test statistics such as sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the proportion of people with a condition that the test correctly identifies, while specificity refers to the proportion of people without a condition that the test correctly identifies. Accuracy tells us how closely a test measures to its true value, while predictive values help us understand the likelihood of having a disease based on a positive of negative test result. Likelihood ratios combine sensitivity and specificity into a single figure that can refine our estimation of the probability of a disease being present. Pre and post-test odds and probabilities can also be calculated to better understand the likelihood of having a disease before and after a test is carried out. Fagan’s nomogram is a useful tool for calculating post-test probabilities.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 17
Correct
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What database is most suitable for finding scholarly material that has not undergone official publication?
Your Answer: SIGLE
Explanation:SIGLE is a database that contains unpublished of ‘grey’ literature, while CINAHL is a database that focuses on healthcare and biomedical journal articles. The Cochrane Library is a collection of databases that includes the Cochrane Reviews, which are systematic reviews and meta-analyses of medical research. EMBASE is a pharmacological and biomedical database, and PsycINFO is a database of abstracts from psychological literature that is created by the American Psychological Association.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 18
Correct
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What is the standardized score (z-score) for a woman whose haemoglobin concentration is 150 g/L, given that the mean haemoglobin concentration for healthy women is 135 g/L and the standard deviation is 15 g/L?
Your Answer: 1
Explanation:Z Scores: A Special Application of Transformation Rules
Z scores are a unique way of measuring how much and in which direction an item deviates from the mean of its distribution, expressed in units of its standard deviation. To calculate the z score for an observation x from a population with mean and standard deviation, we use the formula z = (x – mean) / standard deviation. For example, if our observation is 150 and the mean and standard deviation are 135 and 15, respectively, then the z score would be 1.0. Z scores are a useful tool for comparing observations from different distributions and for identifying outliers.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 19
Correct
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What hierarchical language does NLM utilize to enhance search strategies and index articles?
Your Answer: MeSH
Explanation:NLM’s hierarchical vocabulary, known as MeSH (Medical Subject Heading), is utilized for the purpose of indexing articles in PubMed.
Evidence-based medicine involves four basic steps: developing a focused clinical question, searching for the best evidence, critically appraising the evidence, and applying the evidence and evaluating the outcome. When developing a question, it is important to understand the difference between background and foreground questions. Background questions are general questions about conditions, illnesses, syndromes, and pathophysiology, while foreground questions are more often about issues of care. The PICO system is often used to define the components of a foreground question: patient group of interest, intervention of interest, comparison, and primary outcome.
When searching for evidence, it is important to have a basic understanding of the types of evidence and sources of information. Scientific literature is divided into two basic categories: primary (empirical research) and secondary (interpretation and analysis of primary sources). Unfiltered sources are large databases of articles that have not been pre-screened for quality, while filtered resources summarize and appraise evidence from several studies.
There are several databases and search engines that can be used to search for evidence, including Medline and PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and OpenGrey. Boolean logic can be used to combine search terms in PubMed, and phrase searching and truncation can also be used. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) are used by indexers to describe articles for MEDLINE records, and the MeSH Database is like a thesaurus that enables exploration of this vocabulary.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 20
Correct
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As the occurrence of a condition decreases, what increases?
Your Answer: Negative predictive value
Explanation:The prevalence of a condition has an impact on both the PPV and NPV. When the prevalence decreases, the PPV also decreases while the NPV increases.
Clinical tests are used to determine the presence of absence of a disease of condition. To interpret test results, it is important to have a working knowledge of statistics used to describe them. Two by two tables are commonly used to calculate test statistics such as sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the proportion of people with a condition that the test correctly identifies, while specificity refers to the proportion of people without a condition that the test correctly identifies. Accuracy tells us how closely a test measures to its true value, while predictive values help us understand the likelihood of having a disease based on a positive of negative test result. Likelihood ratios combine sensitivity and specificity into a single figure that can refine our estimation of the probability of a disease being present. Pre and post-test odds and probabilities can also be calculated to better understand the likelihood of having a disease before and after a test is carried out. Fagan’s nomogram is a useful tool for calculating post-test probabilities.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 21
Correct
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What is the term used to describe a scenario where a study participant alters their behavior due to the awareness of being observed?
Your Answer: Hawthorne effect
Explanation:Simpson’s Paradox is a real phenomenon where the comparison of association between variables can change direction when data from multiple groups are merged into one. The other three options are not valid terms.
Types of Bias in Statistics
Bias is a systematic error that can lead to incorrect conclusions. Confounding factors are variables that are associated with both the outcome and the exposure but have no causative role. Confounding can be addressed in the design and analysis stage of a study. The main method of controlling confounding in the analysis phase is stratification analysis. The main methods used in the design stage are matching, randomization, and restriction of participants.
There are two main types of bias: selection bias and information bias. Selection bias occurs when the selected sample is not a representative sample of the reference population. Disease spectrum bias, self-selection bias, participation bias, incidence-prevalence bias, exclusion bias, publication of dissemination bias, citation bias, and Berkson’s bias are all subtypes of selection bias. Information bias occurs when gathered information about exposure, outcome, of both is not correct and there was an error in measurement. Detection bias, recall bias, lead time bias, interviewer/observer bias, verification and work-up bias, Hawthorne effect, and ecological fallacy are all subtypes of information bias.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 22
Incorrect
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Which of the following checklists would be most helpful in preparing the manuscript of a survey analyzing the opinions of college students on mental health, as evaluated through a set of questionnaires?
Your Answer: PRISMA
Correct Answer: COREQ
Explanation:There are several reporting guidelines available for different types of research studies. The COREQ checklist, consisting of 32 items, is designed for reporting qualitative research that involves interviews and focus groups. The CONSORT Statement provides a 25-item checklist to aid in reporting randomized controlled trials (RCTs). For reporting the pooled findings of multiple studies, the QUOROM and PRISMA guidelines are useful. The STARD statement includes a checklist of 30 items and is designed for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 23
Correct
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If the new antihypertensive therapy is implemented for the secondary prevention of stroke, it would result in an absolute annual risk reduction of 0.5% compared to conventional therapy. However, the cost of the new treatment is ยฃ100 more per patient per year. Therefore, what would the cost of implementing the new therapy for each stroke prevented?
Your Answer: ยฃ20,000
Explanation:The new drug reduces the annual incidence of stroke by 0.5% and costs ยฃ100 more than conventional therapy. This means that for every 200 patients treated, one stroke would be prevented with the new drug compared to conventional therapy. The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) is 200 per year to prevent one stroke. Therefore, the annual cost of this treatment to prevent one stroke would be ยฃ20,000, which is the cost of treating 200 patients with the new drug (ยฃ100 x 200).
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 24
Correct
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A worldwide epidemic of influenza is known as a:
Your Answer: Pandemic
Explanation:Epidemiology Key Terms
– Epidemic (Outbreak): A rise in disease cases above the anticipated level in a specific population during a particular time frame.
– Endemic: The regular of anticipated level of disease in a particular population.
– Pandemic: Epidemics that affect a significant number of individuals across multiple countries, regions, of continents. -
This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 25
Correct
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How can authors ensure they cover all necessary aspects when writing articles that describe formal studies of quality improvement?
Your Answer: SQUIRE
Explanation:As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions of beliefs. However, I can provide information and guidance on the standards of reporting for different types of research studies. The guidelines mentioned above are essential for ensuring that research studies are reported accurately and transparently, which is crucial for the scientific community to evaluate and replicate the findings. It is important for researchers to be familiar with these standards and follow them when reporting their studies to ensure the quality and integrity of their research.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 26
Correct
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What type of bias is present in a study evaluating the accuracy of a new diagnostic test for epilepsy if not all patients undergo the established gold-standard test?
Your Answer: Work-up bias
Explanation:When comparing new diagnostic tests with gold standard tests, work-up bias can be a concern. Clinicians may be hesitant to order the gold standard test unless the new test yields a positive result, as the gold standard test may involve invasive procedures like tissue biopsy. This can significantly skew the study’s findings and affect metrics such as sensitivity and specificity. While it may not always be possible to eliminate work-up bias, researchers must account for it in their analysis.
Types of Bias in Statistics
Bias is a systematic error that can lead to incorrect conclusions. Confounding factors are variables that are associated with both the outcome and the exposure but have no causative role. Confounding can be addressed in the design and analysis stage of a study. The main method of controlling confounding in the analysis phase is stratification analysis. The main methods used in the design stage are matching, randomization, and restriction of participants.
There are two main types of bias: selection bias and information bias. Selection bias occurs when the selected sample is not a representative sample of the reference population. Disease spectrum bias, self-selection bias, participation bias, incidence-prevalence bias, exclusion bias, publication of dissemination bias, citation bias, and Berkson’s bias are all subtypes of selection bias. Information bias occurs when gathered information about exposure, outcome, of both is not correct and there was an error in measurement. Detection bias, recall bias, lead time bias, interviewer/observer bias, verification and work-up bias, Hawthorne effect, and ecological fallacy are all subtypes of information bias.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 27
Correct
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Which option is not a type of descriptive statistic?
Your Answer: Student's t-test
Explanation:A t-test is a statistical method used to determine if there is a significant difference between the means of two groups. It is a type of statistical inference.
Types of Statistics: Descriptive and Inferential
Statistics can be divided into two categories: descriptive and inferential. Descriptive statistics are used to describe and summarize data without making any generalizations beyond the data at hand. On the other hand, inferential statistics are used to make inferences about a population based on sample data.
Descriptive statistics are useful for identifying patterns and trends in data. Common measures used to describe a data set include measures of central tendency (such as the mean, median, and mode) and measures of variability of dispersion (such as the standard deviation of variance).
Inferential statistics, on the other hand, are used to make predictions of draw conclusions about a population based on sample data. These statistics are also used to determine the probability that observed differences between groups are reliable and not due to chance.
Overall, both descriptive and inferential statistics play important roles in analyzing and interpreting data. Descriptive statistics help us understand the characteristics of a data set, while inferential statistics allow us to make predictions and draw conclusions about larger populations.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 28
Correct
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What is the term used to describe the percentage of a population's disease that would be eradicated if their disease rate was lowered to that of the unexposed group?
Your Answer: Attributable proportion
Explanation:Disease Rates and Their Interpretation
Disease rates are a measure of the occurrence of a disease in a population. They are used to establish causation, monitor interventions, and measure the impact of exposure on disease rates. The attributable risk is the difference in the rate of disease between the exposed and unexposed groups. It tells us what proportion of deaths in the exposed group were due to the exposure. The relative risk is the risk of an event relative to exposure. It is calculated by dividing the rate of disease in the exposed group by the rate of disease in the unexposed group. A relative risk of 1 means there is no difference between the two groups. A relative risk of <1 means that the event is less likely to occur in the exposed group, while a relative risk of >1 means that the event is more likely to occur in the exposed group. The population attributable risk is the reduction in incidence that would be observed if the population were entirely unexposed. It can be calculated by multiplying the attributable risk by the prevalence of exposure in the population. The attributable proportion is the proportion of the disease that would be eliminated in a population if its disease rate were reduced to that of the unexposed group.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 29
Correct
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What is another term for case-mix bias?
Your Answer: Disease spectrum bias
Explanation:Types of Bias in Statistics
Bias is a systematic error that can lead to incorrect conclusions. Confounding factors are variables that are associated with both the outcome and the exposure but have no causative role. Confounding can be addressed in the design and analysis stage of a study. The main method of controlling confounding in the analysis phase is stratification analysis. The main methods used in the design stage are matching, randomization, and restriction of participants.
There are two main types of bias: selection bias and information bias. Selection bias occurs when the selected sample is not a representative sample of the reference population. Disease spectrum bias, self-selection bias, participation bias, incidence-prevalence bias, exclusion bias, publication of dissemination bias, citation bias, and Berkson’s bias are all subtypes of selection bias. Information bias occurs when gathered information about exposure, outcome, of both is not correct and there was an error in measurement. Detection bias, recall bias, lead time bias, interviewer/observer bias, verification and work-up bias, Hawthorne effect, and ecological fallacy are all subtypes of information bias.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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Question 30
Correct
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Researchers have conducted a study comparing a new blood pressure medication with a standard blood pressure medication. 200 patients are divided equally between the two groups. Over the course of one year, 20 patients in the treatment group experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure, compared to 35 patients in the control group.
What is the number needed to treat (NNT)?Your Answer: 7
Explanation:The Relative Risk Reduction (RRR) is calculated by subtracting the experimental event rate (EER) from the control event rate (CER), dividing the result by the CER, and then multiplying by 100 to get a percentage. In this case, the RRR is (35-20)รท35 = 0.4285 of 42.85%.
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This question is part of the following fields:
- Research Methods, Statistics, Critical Review And Evidence-Based Practice
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