Explain Simpson's paradox with an example
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Quick Overview
Explain Simpson's paradox in simple terms and provide a concrete example.
Figma
May 4, 202638
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Explain Simpson's paradox in simple terms and provide a concrete example.
Statistics questions at Figma test your ability to reason quantitatively and design rigorous experiments. This Technical Screen question evaluates your understanding of statistical inference and its application to business decisions.
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 handle multiple comparisons?
- How would you explain this result to a non-technical audience?
- What alternative statistical method could you use here?
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