Research Methodology & Study Design
Evidence Hierarchy
From higher to lower: systematic reviews/meta-analyses → RCTs → cohort → case-control → cross-sectional → case series/reports → expert opinion.
Key Concepts
- RCT — randomisation minimises confounding; the gold standard for evaluating interventions.
- Blinding — single (participant), double (participant + investigator), triple (+ analyst) to reduce bias.
- Meta-analysis — statistically pools results of multiple studies.
Exam Tips ⭐
Systematic review/meta-analysis = top of evidence; RCT = best single study; blinding reduces bias.
📝 Practice MCQs — Research Methodology & Study Design
Q1. The highest level of evidence comes from:
A. Case report
B. Expert opinion
C. Systematic review/meta-analysis
D. Cross-sectional study
Show Answer
✅ Answer: C
Systematic reviews/meta-analyses sit atop the evidence hierarchy.
Q2. Double blinding means concealment from:
A. Only participants
B. Participant and investigator
C. Only the statistician
D. No one
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Double-blind hides allocation from participant and investigator.
Q3. The gold standard study design for interventions is the:
A. Cohort
B. Case-control
C. RCT
D. Cross-sectional
Show Answer
✅ Answer: C
Randomised controlled trials best evaluate interventions.
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