Question 1

Which of the following best describes a prospective cohort study?

Accepted Answer

A study that follows a group of individuals over time to observe outcomes based on exposures measured at the start.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of randomization in a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that each participant has an equal chance of being assigned to any group, reducing selection bias.

Question 3

Which of the following is a key difference between a primary and a secondary source in nutrition research?

Accepted Answer

A primary source presents original research data, while a secondary source summarizes or interprets primary research.

Question 4

A researcher wants to test the effect of a new vitamin supplement on cell growth using isolated human cells in a petri dish. What type of study is this?

Accepted Answer

In vitro study

Question 5

Which of the following best describes a meta-analysis?

Accepted Answer

A statistical technique that combines results from multiple studies to identify overall trends.

Question 6

Why is blinding used in clinical trials?

Accepted Answer

To prevent bias by ensuring participants and/or researchers do not know which group receives the treatment.

Question 7

A study finds a strong correlation between high sugar intake and obesity, but cannot prove that sugar causes obesity. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Correlation, not causation

Question 8

Which of the following is a strength of a randomized controlled clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

It can establish causality between an intervention and an outcome.

Question 9

What is the main weakness of retrospective studies?

Accepted Answer

They are prone to recall bias and cannot establish causality.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the process of peer review?

Accepted Answer

Experts in the field evaluate a manuscript for quality and validity before publication.

Question 11

A nutrition study uses a placebo in the control group. What is the purpose of the placebo?

Accepted Answer

To mimic the treatment without containing the active ingredient, controlling for psychological effects.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?

Accepted Answer

A review article summarizing multiple clinical trials on vitamin D.

Question 13

In a double-blind clinical trial, who is unaware of the group assignments?

Accepted Answer

Both the participants and the researchers administering the treatment.

Question 14

Which of the following is a criterion for evaluating the credibility of a scientific source?

Accepted Answer

Whether the information is peer-reviewed and authored by experts in the field.

Question 15

A study compares people with heart disease to those without, looking back at their dietary habits. What type of study is this?

Accepted Answer

Case-control study

Question 16

Which of the following best defines epidemiology?

Accepted Answer

The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations.

Question 17

A positive control in an experiment is used to:

Accepted Answer

Show that the experimental setup can produce a positive result.

Question 18

Which of the following is a key limitation of animal studies in nutrition research?

Accepted Answer

Results may not always translate directly to humans due to physiological differences.

Question 19

A negative control in a nutrition experiment is designed to:

Accepted Answer

Show what happens in the absence of the treatment, serving as a baseline.

Question 20

Which of the following best describes the difference between an observational study and a clinical trial?

Accepted Answer

An observational study does not involve intervention, while a clinical trial assigns interventions to participants.

Types of Scientific Studies and Publications in Nutrition

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards