Which of these sits at the top of the hierarchy of evidence for a treatment question?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. A systematic review of randomised trials
- Step 1: Evidence hierarchies rank designs by their susceptibility to bias. Step 2. A well-conducted systematic review with meta-analysis combines multiple high-quality trials. Answer: A systematic review of randomised trials. Why not the others: Expert opinion and case reports are at the bottom. A cross-sectional survey cannot establish treatment effect.
Practise more Statistics and research methods.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (MSRA-style single best answer) mock tests.
More Statistics and research methods questions
- In a population of 1000 people, 100 have a disease. A screening test is positive in 80 of the 100 people with the disease and in 45 of the 9…
- In a population of 1000 people, 100 have a disease. A screening test is positive in 80 of the 100 people with the disease and in 45 of the 9…
- In a population of 1000 people, 100 have a disease. A screening test is positive in 80 of the 100 people with the disease and in 45 of the 9…
- In a population of 1000 people, 100 have a disease. A screening test is positive in 80 of the 100 people with the disease and in 45 of the 9…
- A patient has a pre-test probability of disease of 10 percent. A test with a positive likelihood ratio of 16 is positive. What is the approx…
- In a trial, 20 percent of the control group and 15 percent of the treatment group have a stroke over five years. What is the number needed t…