Interpret mixed results across segments from an experiment

Last updated: June 1, 2026

Quick Overview

An experiment shows conflicting results. What conclusions can you draw? What are the caveats?

Grubhub
Statistics & Math
Data Scientist
Grubhub
June 1, 2026
Data Scientist
Phone Screen
Statistics & Math
Easy

49

4

1,995 solved


An experiment shows conflicting results. What conclusions can you draw? What are the caveats?

Grubhub 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
  • State the correct formula or theorem with clear definitions
  • Apply the concept to the given scenario step by step
  • Interpret the result in plain language
  • Identify assumptions and when they might be violated
Key Topics to Cover
Regression analysis
Confidence intervals and significance levels
Multiple testing correction (Bonferroni, FDR)
Power analysis and sample size calculation
Hypothesis testing (H0, H1, p-values)
Causal inference basics
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?
  • How would you handle multiple comparisons?
  • How would you design a follow-up experiment based on these results?
  • What assumptions does this test make, and how would you validate them?
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