Calculate conditional probability for user retention

Last updated: November 6, 2025

Quick Overview

Given the following scenario about revenue per session, calculate the the p-value.

Postmates
Statistics & Math
Data Scientist
Postmates
November 6, 2025
Data Scientist
Phone Screen
Statistics & Math
Medium

152

4

4,723 solved


Given the following scenario about revenue per session, calculate the the p-value.

This statistics question from Postmates's Phone Screen tests your ability to apply mathematical reasoning to practical problems. The interviewer expects precise definitions, correct methodology, and awareness of assumptions and limitations.

What the Interviewer Expects
  • Set up the problem formally with proper notation
  • Apply the correct statistical test with clear justification
  • Interpret results with appropriate caveats and confidence levels
  • Discuss practical significance vs statistical significance
  • Identify potential confounders and how to address them
Key Topics to Cover
Confidence intervals and significance levels
Hypothesis testing (H0, H1, p-values)
Regression analysis
Power analysis and sample size calculation
Probability distributions
Multiple testing correction (Bonferroni, FDR)
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
  • How would you handle multiple comparisons?
  • How would you design a follow-up experiment based on these results?
  • What if the sample size is very small?
  • How would you explain this result to a non-technical audience?
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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...


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