Social and Behavioral Sciences Practice Questions

Q: A surveyor visits a household consisting of a 35-year-old man, his wife who is 6 weeks pregnant and a 3-year-old child. The man's brother along with his wife is currently visiting them for a month owing to winter vacation. What type of family would the surveyor classify the household?

Nuclear family. ***Nuclear family***- A **nuclear family** consists of a couple and their unmarried children living together, which includes the man, his wife, and their 3-year-old child. - The presence of the man's brother and his wife is **temporary** (only for a month for vacation) and does not change the classification of the permanent household unit. *Joint family*- A **joint family** is created when two or more nuclear families live together (e.g., married sons living with their parents) and share possessions and usually a common kitchen. - Since the brother and his wife are only temporary guests and not permanent members of the household, the definition of a joint family is not met. *Extended family*- An **extended family** is a nuclear family plus one or more non-immediate relatives who live under the same roof permanently (e.g., a grandparent or an unmarried aunt/uncle). - The visiting brother and his wife are not permanent residents, thus failing to meet the criteria for an extended family. *Third generation family*- A **third generation family** (or three-generation family) requires members from three distinct generations to be living together (e.g., grandparents, parents, and children). - This household only contains two generations (the parents and their child); the brother belongs to the same generation as the man.

Q: As per the basic model of a nuclear family life cycle, which of the following represent the phases of family expansion and contraction? 1. Contraction 2. Dissolution 3. Extension 4. Formation Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 3. ***1 and 3*** - The **extension/expansion phase** involves the addition of new members to the family through **birth or adoption** of children, representing family growth. - The **contraction phase** occurs when children leave the **parental home** (empty nest phase), leading to a reduction in household size. - Together, these represent the dynamic phases of family expansion and contraction in the nuclear family life cycle. *1 and 2* - While contraction is correct, the **dissolution phase** refers to the final stage (death of spouse/parents), not a phase of active family expansion or contraction. - This option incorrectly includes dissolution instead of extension. *2 and 3* - The **dissolution phase** is the terminal stage of the family life cycle, not a phase of expansion or contraction. - This option incorrectly includes dissolution and omits contraction. *2 only* - **Dissolution** is the final stage of the family life cycle when the family unit ends due to death of spouse(s). - This option completely misses both the **extension** (expansion) and **contraction** phases, which are the core dynamic phases of family size change.

Q: Which one of the following best represents the correct sequence of phases in a normal nuclear family? 1. Contraction 2. Dissolution 3. Extension 4. Formation Select the correct answer using the code given below.

4 → 3 → 1 → 2. ***4 → 3 → 1 → 2*** - The correct sequence represents the **Duvall's Family Life Cycle** for a nuclear family. - The cycle begins with **Formation** (marriage/establishment of family), followed by **Extension** (birth and child-rearing), then **Contraction** (children leaving home - empty nest phase), and finally **Dissolution** (death of parents). - This is the standard sequence taught in family life cycle models in Community Medicine. *1 → 2 → 3 → 4* - This sequence is incorrect as it starts with **Contraction** and ends with **Formation**, which reverses the natural progression of family development. - Family life cycles logically progress from formation to dissolution, not the other way around. *4 → 1 → 2 → 3* - This order is incorrect because **Contraction** (children leaving home) must occur after the **Extension** phase (children growing up in the home). - Skipping the extension phase contradicts the natural developmental sequence of family life. *1 → 3 → 4 → 2* - This sequence is incorrect as it begins with **Contraction** before **Formation**, which is logically impossible. - A family cannot contract before it has been formed and extended.

Q: Consider the phases of a family life cycle: 1. Contraction 2. Dissolution 3. Extension 4. Formation. What is the correct order of the phases from first to last?

4 → 3 → 1 → 2. ***4 → 3 → 1 → 2*** - The family life cycle typically begins with **formation** (union of individuals), followed by **extension** (addition of members like children). - It then moves to **contraction** (children leaving home) and finally **dissolution** (death of one or both parents). *2 → 1 → 3 → 4* - This order places **dissolution** and **contraction** before **formation** and **extension**, which is incorrect as it reverses the natural progression of family development. - The family unit must first be formed and grow before it can contract or dissolve. *1 → 2 → 3 → 4* - This sequence begins with **contraction**, implying the family is already shrinking before it has fully formed or extended, which goes against the established phases of family life. - It inaccurately places **extension** at a later stage after contraction and dissolution have supposedly begun. *1 → 3 → 1 → 2* - This option incorrectly repeats **contraction** and does not include the initial **formation** phase, making it an incomplete and misordered representation of the family life cycle. - The sequence is illogical as it suggests repeated contraction without a clear beginning or end.

Q: Which of the following is covered under spiritual dimension of health?

Meaning and purpose of life. ***Meaning and purpose of life*** - The spiritual dimension of health encompasses an individual's search for **meaning, purpose, and value** in life. - It involves one's **beliefs, values, ethics**, and connection to something greater than oneself, which can provide a sense of peace and fulfillment. *Harmony within individual* - This concept aligns more closely with the **mental or psychological dimension** of health, focusing on inner peace and a balanced mind. - It relates to having a **stable emotional state** and a good self-concept. *Balance of rationality and emotionality* - This aspect primarily falls under the **mental or emotional dimension** of health. - It reflects an individual's ability to manage their emotions effectively and make rational decisions, contributing to overall **psychological well-being**. *Quality of interpersonal ties* - This pertains to the **social dimension** of health, which involves an individual's relationships and interactions with others. - Strong and positive social connections are crucial for social well-being, but they are not the primary focus of the **spiritual dimension**.

Q: Marriage between two heterozygous individuals for the same disorder is prevented by:

Prospective genetic counselling. ***Prospective genetic counselling*** - This approach identifies individuals at risk **before** they marry or have children, allowing them to make informed decisions and prevent the union of two carriers for the same disorder. - It focuses on **prevention** by providing information about genetic risks and reproductive options. *Mass health education* - While it raises general awareness, it lacks the **personalized risk assessment** and specific guidance needed to prevent a particular high-risk marriage. - It is a broad approach and may not effectively reach or influence individuals specifically at risk of carrying the same genetic disorder. *Retrospective genetic counselling* - This type of counselling occurs **after** a child with a genetic disorder has been born, aiming to inform parents about recurrence risks for future pregnancies. - It does not prevent the marriage itself but rather addresses risks for future offspring once a genetic condition has already manifested within the family. *Legislation* - Implementing laws to prevent specific marriages based on genetic carrier status would be an extreme measure, raising significant **ethical and human rights concerns**. - Such laws could be seen as discriminatory and are generally not a practical or acceptable approach for preventing marriages between carriers.

Q: Which one among the following was used for measuring economic status of households, in the National Family Health Survey-III (NFHS-III) ?

Wealth index. ***Wealth index*** - The **National Family Health Survey-III (NFHS-III)** used a **wealth index** as a primary measure to assess the economic status of households. - This index is a composite measure derived from household assets and housing characteristics. *Lifestyle index* - The term "lifestyle index" is a general concept and was not the specific, officially recognized tool for measuring economic status in NFHS-III. - While lifestyle aspects can be indicators of economic status, they are typically integrated into broader indices like the wealth index rather than being a standalone measure in this context. *Pareek scale* - The **Pareek scale** was not used in NFHS-III for measuring household economic status. - The Pareek scale is a socio-economic status scale that primarily focuses on **occupational prestige** and education, and it is less commonly used for national health surveys in India compared to asset-based indices. *Kuppuswamy's scale* - **Kuppuswamy's Socioeconomic Status Scale** was not used in the NFHS-III survey. - This scale is an older and more commonly used tool in clinical and research settings within India, but it primarily classifies families based on **education** and **occupation** of the head of the family, and family income.

Q: The example of de-professionalization of medicine is widely seen in India in the form of:

Irrational use of antibiotics by doctors. ***Irrational use of antibiotics by doctors*** - The **widespread irrational use of antibiotics** represents de-professionalization as it reflects the **routinization and degradation of professional medical judgment** across the healthcare system in India. - This practice demonstrates **erosion of evidence-based professional standards** where prescribing decisions are driven by patient demand, commercial pressures, or convenience rather than clinical indication, leading to **antibiotic resistance** as a major public health threat. - Unlike isolated incidents of malpractice, this is a **systemic pattern** that undermines the specialized knowledge and autonomous decision-making that define medical professionalism. - It exemplifies how **professional medical practice has been reduced** to routine, non-scientific prescribing patterns, characteristic of de-professionalization. *Providing Primary Health Care* - Providing **primary health care** is a core professional medical function and represents appropriate medical practice, not de-professionalization. - It aligns with professional responsibility to ensure accessible, comprehensive healthcare services as the **first point of contact** in the health system. *Medical malpractice by doctors* - While **medical malpractice** involves professional failings, it refers to **individual deviations** from the standard of care in specific cases, addressed through legal mechanisms. - De-professionalization refers to **systemic degradation** of professional standards across the field, not isolated instances of negligence or error. *Rural internship by doctors* - **Rural internship** is a structured component of medical education designed to enhance professional competence and expose doctors to diverse healthcare challenges in underserved areas. - It represents **professional development** and strengthening of health services, not erosion of professional standards.

Q: A journal editor receives a well-designed study showing no benefit from a popular medical intervention. The study contradicts previously published positive results. The journal's advertisers manufacture products related to this intervention. What should guide the publication decision?

Publish based on scientific merit alone. ***Publish based on scientific merit alone*** - The primary responsibility of a scientific journal is to disseminate **accurate and methodologically sound research**, regardless of its implications for commercial interests or prior beliefs. - Ignoring or suppressing valid research due to external pressures undermines **scientific integrity** and the public's trust in medical information. *Publish but include pro-intervention commentary* - This approach attempts to dilute the impact of valid negative findings and could be seen as an attempt to appease advertisers while still publishing the study. - While commentary can offer balanced perspectives, forcing a "pro-intervention" stance on a study showing no benefit compromises **editorial independence** and the objective presentation of scientific data. *Reject to maintain advertiser relationships* - This action constitutes a severe breach of **research ethics** and editorial independence, prioritizing financial gain over scientific truth. - Rejecting a well-designed study based on advertiser pressure promotes a **biased information landscape** and hinders medical progress. *Delay publication pending industry consultation* - Consulting with industry stakeholders about publishing a scientifically sound study creates a **conflict of interest** and suggests undue influence on editorial decisions. - Such a delay could be perceived as an attempt to suppress or alter findings that are unfavorable to industry, compromising the journal's **credibility**.

Question 1

A surveyor visits a household consisting of a 35-year-old man, his wife who is 6 weeks pregnant and a 3-year-old child. The man's brother along with his wife is currently visiting them for a month owing to winter vacation. What type of family would the surveyor classify the household?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear family

Answer

Third generation family

Answer

Joint family

Answer

Extended family

Question 2

As per the basic model of a nuclear family life cycle, which of the following represent the phases of family expansion and contraction?

1. Contraction
2. Dissolution
3. Extension
4. Formation

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

1 and 3

Answer

1 and 2

Answer

2 and 3

Answer

2 only

Question 3

Which one of the following best represents the correct sequence of phases in a normal nuclear family?

1. Contraction
2. Dissolution
3. Extension
4. Formation
Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Accepted Answer

4 → 3 → 1 → 2

Answer

1 → 2 → 3 → 4

Answer

4 → 1 → 2 → 3

Answer

1 → 3 → 4 → 2

Question 4

Consider the phases of a family life cycle:

1. Contraction
2. Dissolution
3. Extension
4. Formation. What is the correct order of the phases from first to last?

Accepted Answer

4 → 3 → 1 → 2

Answer

2 → 1 → 3 → 4

Answer

1 → 2 → 3 → 4

Answer

1 → 3 → 1 → 2

Question 5

Which of the following is covered under spiritual dimension of health?

Accepted Answer

Meaning and purpose of life

Answer

Harmony within individual

Answer

Balance of rationality and emotionality

Answer

Quality of interpersonal ties

Question 6

Marriage between two heterozygous individuals for the same disorder is prevented by:

Accepted Answer

Prospective genetic counselling

Answer

Mass health education

Answer

Retrospective genetic counselling

Answer

Legislation

Question 7

Which one among the following was used for measuring economic status of households, in the National Family Health Survey-III (NFHS-III) ?

Accepted Answer

Wealth index

Answer

Lifestyle index

Answer

Pareek scale

Answer

Kuppuswamy’s scale

Question 8

The example of de-professionalization of medicine is widely seen in India in the form of:

Accepted Answer

Irrational use of antibiotics by doctors

Answer

Providing Primary Health Care

Answer

Medical malpractice by doctors

Answer

Rural internship by doctors

Question 9

A journal editor receives a well-designed study showing no benefit from a popular medical intervention. The study contradicts previously published positive results. The journal's advertisers manufacture products related to this intervention. What should guide the publication decision?

Accepted Answer

Publish based on scientific merit alone

Answer

Publish but include pro-intervention commentary

Answer

Reject to maintain advertiser relationships

Answer

Delay publication pending industry consultation

Question 10

A pharmaceutical company sponsors a clinical trial of their drug and employs the lead investigator as a paid consultant. The study shows positive results. What is the most important ethical consideration?

Accepted Answer

The conflict must be disclosed but doesn't invalidate results

Answer

The results are invalid due to conflict of interest

Answer

The study should be repeated by independent researchers

Answer

The company should not be allowed to publish results

Social and Behavioral Sciences — MCQs

Social and Behavioral Sciences — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?