HSRT Evaluating Scientific Evidence 3

Question 1

A systematic review includes only studies published in English. This restriction introduces which type of bias?

Accepted Answer

Language bias

Answer

Excluding non-English studies introduces language bias because findings from other regions may differ systematically, skewing the pooled conclusions.

Question 2

A cohort study follows 5,000 smokers and 5,000 non-smokers for 20 years to compare lung cancer incidence. This design is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

Prospective cohort

Answer

A prospective cohort study follows participants forward in time from exposure to outcome, making this the correct classification.

Question 3

Researchers report a confidence interval of 95% CI [0.85–1.15] for a risk ratio. What does this interval suggest?

Accepted Answer

The data are consistent with no meaningful difference between groups

Answer

A 95% CI that includes 1.0 for a risk ratio indicates the result is not statistically significant, and a null effect (no difference) is plausible.

Question 4

In evidence-based practice, which source of evidence should take precedence when making a clinical decision?

Accepted Answer

Current best research evidence integrated with clinical expertise and patient values

Answer

Evidence-based practice explicitly integrates the best available research evidence with clinician expertise and individual patient preferences.

Question 5

A drug company funds a trial comparing its new medication to a competitor's. The trial shows superiority. Which concern most threatens the validity of this conclusion?

Accepted Answer

Industry funding may introduce reporting or design bias favoring the sponsor

Answer

Industry-funded research is associated with a higher likelihood of favorable outcomes for the sponsor due to selective reporting or methodological choices.

HSRT - Health Sciences Reasoning Test Practice Test

HSRT - Health Sciences Reasoning Test Practice Test

HSRT Evaluating Scientific Evidence 3