Design an A/B test for a recommendation algorithm
Last updated: August 24, 2025
Quick Overview
Design an experiment to test the impact of a redesigned homepage. Include sample size calculation, metrics, and analysis plan.
Waymo
August 24, 2025112
9
1,883 solved
Design an experiment to test the impact of a redesigned homepage. Include sample size calculation, metrics, and analysis plan.
Waymo values data-driven decision making. This Onsite 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
How to Approach This
- Define your hypotheses (H0 and H1) clearly before performing any test.
- Calculate required sample size BEFORE running an experiment, using power analysis.
- Remember the Central Limit Theorem: sample means become approximately normal with large n.
- Watch for Simpson's paradox. Always segment data by key dimensions.
- Distinguish between statistical significance and practical significance.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- What assumptions does this test make, and how would you validate them?
- How would you design a follow-up experiment based on these results?
- How would you handle multiple comparisons?
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Browse Statistics QuestionsSample 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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