Calculate conditional probability for A/B test results

Last updated: March 3, 2026

Quick Overview

Given the following scenario about user conversion, calculate the the p-value.

Palantir
Statistics & Math
Data Scientist
Palantir
March 3, 2026
Data Scientist
Phone Screen
Statistics & Math
Hard

10

5

1,376 solved


Given the following scenario about user conversion, calculate the the p-value.

Palantir values data-driven decision making. This Phone Screen question assesses whether you can design experiments, interpret results correctly, and avoid common statistical pitfalls like p-hacking or Simpson's paradox.

What the Interviewer Expects
  • Derive results from first principles when needed
  • Handle complex scenarios with multiple interacting variables
  • Design experiments that account for real-world complications
  • Discuss advanced topics: Bayesian methods, causal inference, resampling
  • Connect statistical concepts to business decision-making
  • Identify subtle errors in reasoning (Simpson's paradox, survivorship bias)
Key Topics to Cover
Power analysis and sample size calculation
Confidence intervals and significance levels
Hypothesis testing (H0, H1, p-values)
Regression analysis
How to Approach This
  1. Define your hypotheses (H0 and H1) clearly before performing any test.
  2. Calculate required sample size BEFORE running an experiment, using power analysis.
  3. Remember the Central Limit Theorem: sample means become approximately normal with large n.
  4. Watch for Simpson's paradox. Always segment data by key dimensions.
  5. Distinguish between statistical significance and practical significance.
Possible Follow-up Questions
  • What alternative statistical method could you use here?
  • What assumptions does this test make, and how would you validate them?
  • How would you handle multiple comparisons?
  • What if the sample size is very small?
Sharpen Your Skills on Codemia

Practice similar problems with our interactive workspace, get AI feedback, and track your progress.

Browse Statistics Questions
Sample Answer
Setting Up the Problem

Start by formalizing the problem: 1. **Define the hypotheses**: H0 (null hypothesis) and H1 (alternative). Be precise about what you're testing. 2. ...

Solution Approach

**Compute the test statistic**: Apply the appropriate formula using the sample data. **Find the p-value**: The probability of observing a result this...


Submit Your Answer
Markdown supported

Related Questions