A. To increase publication speed only
B. To ensure the research study is implemented successfully
C. To reduce the number of researchers
D. To avoid ethical approval
Answer: B
2. According to the lecture, a well-planned study is more likely to:
A. Fail due to unforeseen events
B. Succeed in achieving its objectives
C. Require no monitoring
D. Eliminate the need for data analysis
Answer: B
3. Which of the following is the main objective of project management?
A. Increase sample size
B. Ensure defined objectives are achieved within the planned time, budget, and quality standards
C. Reduce the number of participants
D. Eliminate statistical analysis
Answer: B
4. Effective project management ensures that deliverables are completed within:
A. Unlimited budget
B. Defined timeframe and budget
C. One month
D. The investigator’s convenience
Answer: B
5. The ultimate goal of successful research is to:
A. Publish papers only
B. Provide direction for future improvements and decision-making
C. Increase laboratory workload
D. Reduce study duration
Answer: B
6. Which principle mainly guides resource allocation and management?
A. Statistical analysis
B. Time management
C. Randomization
D. Blinding
Answer: B
7. Appropriate time management primarily helps researchers to:
A. Reduce ethical requirements
B. Achieve project goals efficiently
C. Avoid sample size calculation
D. Replace project supervision
Answer: B
8. Which underlying principle supports planning and scheduling of activities?
A. Monitoring and supervision
B. Publication strategy
C. Convenience sampling
D. Random allocation
Answer: A
9. Monitoring and supervision mainly ensure that:
A. The study reaches its objectives with the best possible quality
B. Sample size increases
C. Participants are excluded
D. Data analysis is unnecessary
Answer: A
10. An ad hoc approach to research generally results in:
A. Better project management
B. Improved study quality
C. Non-productive research
D. Increased validity
Answer: C
11. Which situation reflects poor planning?
A. Clearly defined objectives
B. Appropriate data collection tools
C. Unclear research objectives
D. Detailed analysis plan
Answer: C
12. A researcher prepares a questionnaire without knowing what information is needed. This is an example of:
A. Good project management
B. Poor planning
C. Effective supervision
D. Pilot testing
Answer: B
13. Poor planning commonly leads to:
A. Easily interpretable results
B. Difficult-to-analyze data
C. Better policy decisions
D. Improved research quality
Answer: B
14. According to the lecture, poorly interpreted research findings are often:
A. Highly useful for policy-making
B. Difficult to apply in programs and policy decisions
C. Easier to publish
D. Always statistically significant
Answer: B
15. Which is the first step in the research process?
A. Data collection
B. Identifying the research need
C. Statistical analysis
D. Writing recommendations
Answer: B
16. After identifying the research need, the next step is to:
A. Prepare questionnaires
B. Formulate the research question
C. Calculate sample size
D. Recruit participants
Answer: B
17. Which step follows formulation of the research question?
A. Drawing conclusions
B. Formulating study objectives
C. Publication
D. Data collection
Answer: B
18. Which activity comes immediately after formulating study objectives?
A. Planning the analysis
B. Publishing results
C. Writing conclusions
D. Ethical clearance
Answer: A
19. Preparing data collection instruments should be done:
A. Before planning the analysis
B. After planning the analysis
C. After publication
D. Before identifying the research question
Answer: B
20. Which stage follows data collection?
A. Recruitment
B. Data analysis
C. Sample size estimation
D. Literature review
Answer: B
21. Recommendations are usually prepared after:
A. Formulating objectives
B. Drawing conclusions
C. Collecting data
D. Planning analysis
Answer: B
22. The early planning stage of research mainly includes:
A. Identifying needs and formulating the research question
B. Data analysis
C. Publication
D. Statistical testing
Answer: A
23. The analysis plan mainly includes:
A. Formulating objectives, deciding methodology, and planning data analysis
B. Participant recruitment only
C. Ethical approval only
D. Publication strategy only
Answer: A
24. Dissemination of research findings is mainly intended to:
A. Increase laboratory workload
B. Help stakeholders use findings for programs and policy-making
C. Reduce sample size
D. Eliminate future research
Answer: B
25. Which statement BEST summarizes the concepts covered in this section?
A. Successful biomedical research begins with identifying a research need, clearly defining the research question and objectives, planning the analysis, preparing appropriate data collection tools, collecting and analyzing data, drawing valid conclusions, and communicating findings to stakeholders. Effective project management ensures that objectives are achieved within the planned timeframe, budget, and quality standards, while avoiding the problems associated with ad hoc planning.
B. Data collection should begin before defining research objectives because objectives can be modified later.
C. Project management focuses only on financial management and is unrelated to research quality.
D. Ad hoc planning improves flexibility and produces better research outcomes than systematic planning.
Answer: A
26. According to the lecture, the roadmap to study planning begins with:
A. Sample size estimation
B. Formulating appropriate study objectives
C. Data collection
D. Preparing dummy tables
Answer: B
27. After formulating study objectives, the next important step is to:
A. Recruit participants
B. Choose the appropriate study design
C. Publish the protocol
D. Analyze data
Answer: B
28. The primary purpose of selecting the correct study design is to:
A. Reduce project cost
B. Determine the key indicators needed to answer the research question
C. Increase sample size
D. Eliminate confounding
Answer: B
29. Which of the following should be identified before preparing the analysis plan?
A. Information required for key indicators
B. Final publication journal
C. Funding agency
D. Number of investigators
Answer: A
30. The analysis outline should be prepared:
A. Before estimating sample size
B. After publication
C. During data interpretation
D. After statistical analysis
Answer: A
31. Which statement best describes study objectives?
A. More objectives always improve study quality.
B. Fewer, clearly defined objectives are generally better.
C. Objectives should be modified after data collection.
D. Objectives are unnecessary in descriptive studies.
Answer: B
32. Why does the lecture recommend having fewer study objectives?
A. To avoid ethical approval
B. To reduce confusion and improve study focus
C. To reduce publication fees
D. To avoid sample size calculation
Answer: B
33. Study objectives are commonly classified into:
A. Major and minor objectives
B. Primary and secondary objectives
C. Clinical and laboratory objectives
D. Short-term and long-term objectives
Answer: B
34. Which objective usually determines the sample size of a study?
A. Secondary objective
B. Primary objective
C. Exploratory objective
D. Statistical objective
Answer: B
35. Secondary objectives mainly provide:
A. Information used for calculating sample size
B. Additional analyzable information
C. Ethical approval
D. Funding decisions
Answer: B
36. Which verb is recommended for objectives aimed at testing a hypothesis?
A. Estimate
B. Describe
C. Determine
D. Compare
Answer: C
37. Which verb is appropriate when the objective is to measure disease prevalence?
A. Determine
B. Estimate
C. Compare
D. Validate
Answer: B
38. “Determine whether a contaminated well caused an outbreak” is an example of:
A. Estimation objective
B. Hypothesis-testing objective
C. Quality assurance objective
D. Monitoring objective
Answer: B
39. “Estimate the prevalence of diabetes” is an example of:
A. Analytical objective
B. Hypothesis-testing objective
C. Estimation objective
D. Experimental objective
Answer: C
40. Acute conditions such as outbreaks are commonly investigated using:
A. Cohort or surveillance studies
B. Case reports only
C. Ecological studies only
D. Laboratory experiments only
Answer: A
41. Which measure is commonly obtained from surveillance studies of acute diseases?
A. Odds ratio
B. Relative risk
C. Incidence
D. Prevalence
Answer: C
42. Chronic diseases are most commonly measured using:
A. Incidence only
B. Mortality rate only
C. Prevalence
D. Hazard ratio
Answer: C
43. Which study designs are commonly used for chronic conditions?
A. Cross-sectional and cohort studies
B. Randomized trials only
C. Case reports
D. Laboratory studies
Answer: A
44. A cohort study generally proceeds from:
A. Outcome to exposure
B. Exposure to outcome
C. Exposure to diagnosis only
D. Disease to laboratory testing
Answer: B
45. A case-control study generally investigates:
A. Exposure after the outcome has already occurred
B. Outcome before exposure
C. Only healthy individuals
D. Only randomized participants
Answer: A
46. Cohort studies are generally preferred when:
A. The outcome occurs frequently
B. The disease is extremely rare
C. The exposure occurred many years ago
D. No follow-up is possible
Answer: A
47. Case-control studies are especially useful when:
A. Outcomes occur frequently
B. The outcome is rare or has a long latency period
C. Follow-up is short
D. Incidence must be measured directly
Answer: B
48. Which measure of association is most commonly obtained from cohort studies?
A. Odds ratio
B. Relative risk
C. Prevalence ratio
D. Hazard rate
Answer: B
49. Which measure of association is commonly obtained from case-control studies?
A. Incidence rate
B. Relative risk
C. Odds ratio
D. Mortality rate
Answer: C
50. Which statement BEST summarizes the concepts covered in this section?
A. An effective study plan begins with clearly defined objectives, preferably few in number and classified as primary and secondary objectives. The primary objective guides sample size estimation, while the study design is selected according to the research question. Cohort studies are generally appropriate for frequent outcomes and estimate relative risk, whereas case-control studies are suitable for rare diseases or long-latency outcomes and estimate odds ratios. Appropriate verbs such as “determine” and “estimate” should be used when writing measurable research objectives.
B. Every research study should have as many objectives as possible because more objectives increase scientific validity.
C. Cohort and case-control studies measure exactly the same outcomes and always produce the same statistical measures.
D. Sample size should be estimated only after the study has been completed.
Answer: A
51. Before calculating any research indicator, investigators should first identify:
A. Journal impact factor
B. Information elements required for the indicator
C. Funding source
D. Number of investigators
Answer: B
52. Which of the following may serve as research indicators?
A. Rates
B. Ratios
C. Proportions
D. All of the above
Answer: D
53. To calculate any rate accurately, researchers must identify:
A. Sample size only
B. Numerator and denominator
C. Exposure only
D. Outcome only
Answer: B
54. Besides numerator and denominator, researchers should also identify:
A. Outcome variables and covariates
B. Publication journal
C. Ethical committee members
D. Research funding agency
Answer: A
55. Covariates in research may include:
A. Potential risk factors
B. Potential confounders
C. Outcome modifiers
D. All of the above
Answer: D
56. Which principle should guide the selection of variables for data collection?
A. Collect as many variables as possible
B. Select variables that can be meaningfully analyzed
C. Collect only demographic variables
D. Avoid standardized methods
Answer: B
57. Reviewing published literature mainly helps researchers to:
A. Increase publication speed
B. Identify important variables and evidence
C. Eliminate ethical approval
D. Reduce sample size
Answer: B
58. Why should validated or standardized methods be used?
A. They reduce publication costs.
B. They improve reliability and global acceptance of study findings.
C. They eliminate confounding.
D. They remove the need for pilot studies.
Answer: B
59. Standardized case definitions mainly improve:
A. Uniformity and comparability of research findings
B. Funding opportunities
C. Recruitment speed
D. Journal acceptance only
Answer: A
60. When studying smoking as an exposure variable, researchers should clearly define:
A. Type of questionnaire only
B. What constitutes smoking
C. Laboratory equipment
D. Sample size
Answer: B
61. Laboratory criteria are especially important when defining conditions such as:
A. Hypertension only
B. Pneumonia
C. Anemia
D. Migraine
Answer: C
62. Which method is commonly used to diagnose goitre in iodine deficiency surveys?
A. Laboratory assay
B. Physical examination
C. CT scan
D. MRI
Answer: B
63. Current iodine exposure is best assessed by measuring:
A. Blood glucose
B. Urine iodine excretion
C. Serum calcium
D. Hemoglobin
Answer: B
64. Household access to iodized salt is commonly evaluated using:
A. X-ray examination
B. Field spot test
C. Ultrasound
D. PCR
Answer: B
65. Income, education, and community characteristics are examples of:
A. Risk factors
B. Outcome variables
C. Random errors
D. Sampling methods
Answer: A
66. Age, sex, and residence are commonly considered:
A. Exposure variables
B. Confounding factors
C. Outcome measures
D. Sampling errors
Answer: B
67. Confounding factors influence:
A. Only the exposure
B. Only the outcome
C. Both exposure and outcome
D. Neither exposure nor outcome
Answer: C
68. Confounding can be addressed effectively when researchers:
A. Ignore confounders
B. Collect information about potential confounders
C. Increase sample size only
D. Avoid analytical studies
Answer: B
69. Preparing an analysis plan mainly helps researchers to:
A. Focus on study objectives
B. Increase funding
C. Reduce ethical review time
D. Recruit participants
Answer: A
70. Preparing dummy tables before data collection helps researchers to:
A. Decide what information should be collected
B. Reduce publication fees
C. Eliminate confounding
D. Increase disease prevalence
Answer: A
71. A good analysis plan prevents researchers from:
A. Collecting analyzable data
B. Making unnecessary comparisons
C. Calculating sample size
D. Recruiting participants
Answer: B
72. One major advantage of an analysis plan is:
A. Saving time and facilitating early publication
B. Eliminating ethical approval
C. Increasing disease prevalence
D. Avoiding statistical analysis
Answer: A
73. Sample size depends largely on:
A. Outcome assessment, study design, and study type
B. Investigator’s experience
C. Journal selection
D. Number of references
Answer: A
74. During study planning, investigators are encouraged to involve:
A. Journal editors
B. A statistician
C. Laboratory technicians only
D. Health policymakers
Answer: B
75. Which statement BEST summarizes information collection, analysis planning, and sample size determination?
A. Accurate research requires identifying appropriate indicators, defining numerator and denominator, selecting valid outcome variables and confounders, using standardized methods and case definitions, and preparing a detailed analysis plan before data collection. A well-developed analysis plan ensures only relevant data are collected, facilitates timely publication, and supports appropriate sample size determination with the assistance of a statistician.
B. Confounding factors should not be measured because they complicate data analysis.
C. Sample size is independent of study design and outcome assessment.
D. Analysis plans should be prepared only after data collection is completed.
Answer: A
76. A researcher begins collecting data before defining the study objectives. What is the MOST likely consequence?
A. Improved study quality
B. Collection of unnecessary or unusable data
C. Better statistical analysis
D. Increased internal validity
Answer: B
77. During study planning, investigators should identify indicators because they:
A. Determine what information must be collected
B. Replace sample size estimation
C. Eliminate confounding variables
D. Avoid ethical approval
Answer: A
78. A researcher plans to estimate the prevalence of hypertension in adults. Which study design is MOST appropriate?
A. Cross-sectional study
B. Case report
C. Case-control study
D. Randomized clinical trial
Answer: A
79. A researcher wants to determine whether exposure to contaminated water caused a cholera outbreak. Which study design is MOST suitable?
A. Cross-sectional survey
B. Cohort study
C. Ecological study
D. Case series
Answer: B
80. A rare cancer develops 25 years after exposure to a chemical. Which study design is MOST appropriate?
A. Cohort study
B. Cross-sectional study
C. Case-control study
D. Descriptive survey
Answer: C
81. Before collecting information about smoking, researchers should first:
A. Recruit more participants
B. Clearly define what constitutes smoking
C. Perform laboratory testing
D. Calculate relative risk
Answer: B
82. Which of the following BEST represents a standardized outcome definition?
A. “Patients who appear anemic”
B. “Hemoglobin level below the accepted diagnostic cutoff”
C. “People looking weak”
D. “Patients selected by convenience”
Answer: B
83. Which data collection method is MOST appropriate for measuring urine iodine excretion?
A. Interview
B. Observation
C. Laboratory assay
D. Focus group discussion
Answer: C
84. Household iodized salt is commonly assessed using:
A. ELISA
B. Field spot test
C. PCR
D. Blood examination
Answer: B
85. Income, education, and dietary habits may influence both exposure and outcome. These variables should be treated as:
A. Bias
B. Confounders or important covariates
C. Random errors
D. Outcome variables
Answer: B
86. The BEST strategy for handling confounding factors is to:
A. Ignore them during study design
B. Collect information about them and adjust during analysis
C. Increase sample size only
D. Exclude all participants with confounding factors
Answer: B
87. Preparing dummy tables before data collection mainly helps researchers to:
A. Decide exactly what data should be collected
B. Increase response rate
C. Reduce ethical approval time
D. Improve laboratory accuracy
Answer: A
88. A detailed analysis plan helps prevent:
A. Collection of irrelevant information
B. Recruitment of participants
C. Statistical calculations
D. Literature review
Answer: A
89. One important benefit of a good analysis plan is:
A. Faster dissemination of research findings
B. Elimination of bias
C. Automatic journal acceptance
D. Reduced need for supervision
Answer: A
90. Sample size should ideally be determined with assistance from:
A. Laboratory technician
B. Statistician
C. Administrative officer
D. Ethics committee chairperson
Answer: B
91. Which factor does NOT directly influence sample size estimation?
A. Study design
B. Outcome assessment
C. Type of statistical comparison
D. Investigator’s age
Answer: D
92. Which of the following is a common reason for study failure?
A. Clearly defined objectives
B. Unrealistic timelines
C. Standardized protocols
D. Proper supervision
Answer: B
93. Lack of motivation, inadequate training, and poor direction mainly indicate problems related to:
A. Sample size
B. Human resources
C. Ethical approval
D. Statistical analysis
Answer: B
94. Failure to perform mid-course corrections usually results from:
A. Excessive monitoring
B. Inadequate monitoring and supervision
C. Oversized sample
D. Random sampling
Answer: B
95. Which management component is primarily responsible for ensuring activities are completed according to schedule?
A. Financial management
B. Time management
C. Data management
D. Quality control
Answer: B
96. Which management component ensures uninterrupted availability and proper utilization of research funds?
A. Human resource management
B. Financial management
C. Laboratory management
D. Publication management
Answer: B
97. Quality management should be maintained in:
A. Data collection only
B. Laboratory procedures only
C. Every stage of the research project
D. Statistical analysis only
Answer: C
98. Concurrent data management mainly helps researchers to:
A. Delay publication
B. Produce results in a timely manner
C. Reduce sample size
D. Avoid monitoring
Answer: B
99. Which statement regarding successful project management is CORRECT?
A. Monitoring is unnecessary once data collection begins.
B. Successful research depends on effective planning, trained personnel, quality assurance, financial management, and continuous monitoring.
C. Data management becomes important only after publication.
D. Sample size alone determines project success.
Answer: B
100. Which statement BEST summarizes the entire lecture on Study Plan and Project Management?
A. Successful biomedical research requires systematic planning beginning with a clearly defined research question and measurable objectives. Appropriate study design, identification of key indicators, standardized methods, careful selection of variables, development of an analysis plan, and accurate sample size estimation form the foundation of the study. Effective project management further depends on competent human resources, proper time and financial management, continuous quality assurance, efficient data management, and regular monitoring to ensure that research objectives are achieved within the planned timeframe, budget, and quality standards.
B. Study planning mainly involves preparing questionnaires, while project management begins only after publication.
C. Sample size estimation alone guarantees successful completion of every research project.
D. Once funding is available, project management is no longer necessary because research progresses automatically.
Answer: A
