Review Questions for Chapter 12

§12.1 Introduction

1. Name the two major categories of error in epidemiologic research.
2. How do parameters differ from estimates?
3. Describe the notational convention in this book to distinguish between parameters and estimates.
4. Provide a synonym for systematic error.
5. Provide a synonym for random error.
6. Provide an antonym for biased.
7. Provide an antonym for precise.

§12.2 Random Error 

1. [True or false? If false, correct the statement to make it true.] Probability models can be used to quantify and adjust for systematic errors in epidemiologic research.
2. [T/F] Probability models can be used to quantify the random error an epidemiologic measure. 
3. [T/F] Objective and subjective views of probability are not compatible with each other. 
4. The two main method of addressing random error in epidemiologic research are confidence intervals and significance tests (i.e., Pivalues).

§12.3 Systematic Error

1. Name the three types of bias in epidemiologic studies.
2. [True or false? If false, correct the statement to make it true.] Nondifferential misclassification will bias effect measures away from the null or not at all.
3. [T/F] A bias away from null will understate a risk. 
4. What is confounding?
5. List the properties of a confounder.
6. Confounding is derived from the Latin word confundere. What does confundere mean?
7. Use of hospitalized controls in case-control studies result in this type of bias
8. What type of bias occurs when an exposure is misclassified? 

Last update: 12/09/2007

Key