Which statement is most accurate regarding inclusion and exclusion criteria?
A) These criteria are not needed when the population being studied is composed of events.
B) These criteria serve to ensure that the characteristics of the sample and the population are congruent.
C) Inclusion criteria are used to define the independent variables, and exclusion criteria are used to define dependent variables.
D) Inclusion criteria are used to define the dependent variables, and exclusion criteria are used to define independent variables.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inclusion and exclusion criteria are used in research studies to define the characteristics of the sample population. Inclusion criteria are used to determine which individuals or events will be included in the study, while exclusion criteria are used to exclude individuals or events that do not meet certain characteristics.
Option A is incorrect because inclusion and exclusion criteria are still necessary even if the population being studied is composed of events.
Option C and D are incorrect because inclusion and exclusion criteria are used to define the characteristics of the sample population, not the independent or dependent variables.
Option B is the most accurate statement because inclusion and exclusion criteria serve to ensure that the characteristics of the sample and the population are congruent, which is important for the generalizability of study results.

Which Statement Is Most Accurate Regarding Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria