Biostatistics & Research · single question
The systematic review is compared to the randomized controlled trial (RCT). What is the primary ADVANTAGE of a systematic review over an RCT?
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Correct answer: A. Less expensive to conduct
- A. Correct. A systematic review collects and analyzes data from existing published studies — it does NOT require conducting new experiments, recruiting patients, or the extensive infrastructure of an RCT. This makes systematic reviews LESS EXPENSIVE to conduct than RCTs. However, they are dependent on the quality of existing studies.
- B. While systematic reviews are often considered the highest level of evidence, the specific advantage cited in this question context is cost.
- C. Systematic reviews compile evidence from many studies — individual study bias can still affect the overall review.
- D. Individual RCT data may actually be higher quality than pooled data in some systematic reviews.
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