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Meta·Data Scientist·Technical Phone Screen·Intermediate

Intermediate
Jul 2026

Summary

Stats-heavy technical screen for a Data Scientist role at Meta. Two probability/hypothesis testing questions, both centered on LLM output quality evaluation. Pretty niche framing but the underlying math is standard.

Questions Asked (2)

Q1

A chatbot produces a good response with probability x. If the first three responses were all good, what is the probability the fourth response is also good?

Product Analytics & MetricsA/B Testing & Experimentation
Author's notes

The key is the independence assumption, which they tell you to use.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, clarify that the question is ambiguous: it depends on whether x is a fixed known probability or a random variable representing the chatbot's underlying quality. Then, discuss both interpretations: if x is fixed, the answer is simply x; if x is unknown, use Bayesian updating to compute the posterior predictive probability. Finally, relate the answer to practical data science contexts like A/B testing and product metrics.

Pro tip: Show that you recognize the question is testing your understanding of conditional probability and Bayesian inference, not just a simple multiplication. Mention that in real-world settings, assuming independence may be unrealistic due to factors like user behavior or model drift.

1. Clarify the problem statement

Ask whether x is a fixed known probability or an unknown parameter. This determines whether the answer is trivial or requires Bayesian reasoning.

2. Address the fixed x case

If x is fixed and known, and responses are independent, then the probability the fourth response is good is simply x. The previous three responses do not change this probability.

3. Address the unknown x case

If x is unknown, treat it as a random variable with a prior distribution (e.g., Beta). After observing three good responses, update the posterior and compute the posterior predictive probability for the fourth response.

4. Discuss assumptions and practical implications

Mention that independence may not hold in practice (e.g., if the chatbot learns from interactions). Also, relate to A/B testing: estimating a conversion rate from limited data and predicting future performance.

Key Points to Mention

  • Independence assumption: responses are independent given x.
  • Fixed vs. random x: the answer depends on whether x is known or a random variable.
  • Bayesian updating: using a Beta prior and updating with observed successes.
  • Posterior predictive distribution: the probability of a future success given observed data.
  • Practical relevance: estimating conversion rates, click-through rates, or success probabilities in A/B tests.
  • Limitations: ignoring potential dependencies or non-stationarity in real-world data.

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.

Q2

One LLM has a 70% good response rate and another has 80%. Run a hypothesis test to determine whether this difference is statistically significant, and explain your result.

A/B Testing & ExperimentationProduct Analytics & Metrics
Author's notes

Two-proportion z-test.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

First, clarify that the test requires sample sizes and that the null hypothesis is that both LLMs have the same true success rate. Then, describe a two-proportion z-test or chi-square test, compute the test statistic and p-value, and interpret the result in terms of statistical significance and practical significance.

Pro tip: Always discuss the assumptions (e.g., independence, large sample) and the difference between statistical and practical significance. Mention that with large enough samples, even a small difference can be statistically significant, so consider effect size and business impact.

1. Clarify the hypothesis

State the null hypothesis (H0: p1 = p2) and alternative hypothesis (H1: p1 ≠ p2). Define p1 and p2 as the true good response rates for the two LLMs.

2. Choose the appropriate test

Select a two-proportion z-test (or chi-square test) because we are comparing two independent proportions. Ensure assumptions are met: independent samples, random sampling, and sufficiently large sample sizes.

3. Compute the test statistic and p-value

Calculate the pooled proportion, standard error, z-score, and corresponding p-value. If sample sizes are not given, explain that they are needed and show the formula.

4. Interpret the results

Compare the p-value to a significance level (e.g., α = 0.05). If p < α, reject H0 and conclude the difference is statistically significant; otherwise, fail to reject H0. Also discuss practical significance and confidence intervals.

Key Points to Mention

  • Null and alternative hypotheses
  • Two-proportion z-test or chi-square test
  • Assumptions: independence, random sampling, large sample size
  • Calculation of pooled proportion and standard error
  • P-value and significance level (α)
  • Difference between statistical and practical significance
  • Confidence interval for the difference in proportions

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.