Design an A/B test for a search ranking change

Last updated: February 12, 2026

Quick Overview

Design an experiment to test the impact of new pricing tiers. Include sample size calculation, metrics, and analysis plan.

Supabase
Statistics & Math
Data Scientist
Supabase
February 12, 2026
Data Scientist
Technical Screen
Statistics & Math
Hard

101

5

4,091 solved


Design an experiment to test the impact of new pricing tiers. Include sample size calculation, metrics, and analysis plan.

Supabase values data-driven decision making. This Technical 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
Hypothesis testing (H0, H1, p-values)
Bayesian vs frequentist inference
Regression analysis
Central Limit Theorem
Confidence intervals and significance levels
Conditional probability and Bayes theorem
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 explain this result to a non-technical audience?
  • What alternative statistical method could you use here?
  • What if the sample size is very small?
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Sample Answer
Problem Formulation

To design an A/B test for the impact of new pricing tiers on user engagement and conversion rates, we need to establish a clear hypothesis framework:

  1. Null Hypothesis (H0): The new pricing tier...
Solution Approach
  1. Sample Size Calculation: Using a two-proportion z-test for conversion rates, we can calculate the required sample size.
    • Assume current conversion rate (p1) is 5% (0.05) and we want to test...

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