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Biostatistics & Research · single question

In diagnostic testing, what is a 'false positive' result?

  1. A test result that incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition that is not actually present
  2. A test result that correctly indicates the presence of a condition
  3. A test result that incorrectly indicates the absence of a condition that is actually present
  4. A test result that is simply inconclusive
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Correct answer: A. A test result that incorrectly indicates the presence of a condition that is not actually present

A false positive is a test result that incorrectly indicates a condition is present when it is not actually present — corresponding to a Type I error in statistical hypothesis testing terms. (The opposite error — a test incorrectly indicating absence of a condition that IS actually present — is a false negative, corresponding to a Type II error.)

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