Interpret no significant difference from an experiment

Last updated: August 1, 2025

Quick Overview

An experiment shows a 3% lift with p=0.08. What conclusions can you draw? What are the caveats?

Snapchat
Statistics & Math
Data Scientist
Snapchat
August 1, 2025
Data Scientist
Take-home Project
Statistics & Math
Hard

14

4

2,361 solved


An experiment shows a 3% lift with p=0.08. What conclusions can you draw? What are the caveats?

Snapchat values data-driven decision making. This Take-home Project 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
Central Limit Theorem
Power analysis and sample size calculation
Hypothesis testing (H0, H1, p-values)
Multiple testing correction (Bonferroni, FDR)
Bayesian vs frequentist inference
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
  • How would you design a follow-up experiment based on these results?
  • What if the sample size is very small?
  • What alternative statistical method could you use here?
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Sample Answer
Problem Formulation

In this scenario, we have conducted an experiment to evaluate the impact of a new feature on Snapchat's user engagement, specifically measuring a lift in engagement rates. The observed lift is 3%, wit...

Solution Approach

To interpret the p-value, we compare it to a significance level (α), commonly set at 0.05. In this case, since 0.08 > 0.05, we fail to reject the null hypothesis. This indicates that while there is a ...


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