Defining and Using Success Metrics Questions
Learn to propose metrics that directly tie to business or product goals. Understand primary metrics (direct measure of success, like feature adoption rate or API call volume) versus secondary metrics (supporting indicators like latency, error rates, or user satisfaction). Practice proposing 2-3 realistic metrics for different scenarios. At entry-level, you don't need statistical sophistication, but you should understand how to measure whether something worked and why certain metrics matter.
EasyTechnical
0 practiced
Given the users table (user_id, signup_ts) and events table (user_id, event_name, occurred_at), write a SQL query to compute 7-day retention: percent of users who performed any event between day 7 and day 13 after signup, for signups during the last 30 days. Use PostgreSQL syntax and state any assumptions about timezones or multiple events per user.
EasyTechnical
0 practiced
Explain the difference between leading and lagging indicators in product metrics. Provide two examples of each for a subscription product and explain in each case how product decisions would differ based on changes in a leading verse a lagging indicator.
HardTechnical
0 practiced
A product decision depends on a small but statistically significant uplift in a sensitive metric. The test had many secondary metrics; some moved in counter-intuitive directions. As the data scientist, how would you craft a recommendation to the PM and leadership that balances statistical evidence, business risk, and product strategy?
HardTechnical
0 practiced
When comparing metrics across time, user population composition can change (seasonality, marketing campaigns). Describe three normalization or reweighting strategies to make time series comparable and give pros/cons for each. Include an example SQL or pseudocode for one approach.
EasyTechnical
0 practiced
You need to pick a primary metric for an A/B test that aims to increase user engagement with a content feed. Describe the criteria you would use to choose the primary metric and name one metric you might choose and why. Also list two reasons a seemingly good metric might be rejected.
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