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Meta·Data Scientist·Technical Phone Screen·Intermediate

Intermediate
Nov 2023Remote

Summary

Meta data scientist interview with a SQL-heavy technical screen. Two questions, both centered on a survey dataset, one about response rates and one about comparing scores across user segments with a significance test thrown in.

Questions Asked (2)

Q1

Given a survey events table, write SQL to calculate the overall survey response rate.

Product Analytics & MetricsData Modeling
Author's notes

Straightforward on the surface but I almost forgot to handle the NULLs in survey_score.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the definition of response rate: typically the number of survey responses divided by the number of survey invitations (or eligible users). Then write SQL that counts distinct responses and distinct invitations, ensuring you handle duplicates and filter for the relevant time period. Finally, compute the ratio and consider any necessary joins or subqueries to get accurate counts.

Pro tip: Always confirm with the interviewer whether the denominator should be all invited users or only those who were eligible to respond (e.g., active users). This shows you understand that metric definitions can vary and impact business decisions.

1. Clarify the metric definition

Ask the interviewer to define what constitutes a 'response' and an 'invitation' (or eligible user). Confirm whether the rate is based on unique users or total events.

2. Identify the relevant tables and columns

Determine which columns indicate survey events (e.g., event_type, user_id, survey_id, timestamp) and whether invitations and responses are in the same table or separate tables.

3. Write subqueries for numerator and denominator

Use COUNT(DISTINCT user_id) for responses and invitations, applying filters for event types and time ranges. Handle NULLs and duplicates appropriately.

4. Compute the ratio and format the result

Divide the response count by the invitation count, using CAST to float to avoid integer division. Optionally multiply by 100 for a percentage.

5. Validate and discuss edge cases

Mention potential issues like users who respond without an invitation, multiple responses per user, or time zone considerations, and how you would handle them.

Key Points to Mention

  • Definition of response rate: responses / invitations (or eligible users)
  • Use of COUNT(DISTINCT user_id) to avoid double-counting
  • Filtering by event type (e.g., 'survey_invite', 'survey_response') and time period
  • Handling of NULLs and ensuring denominator > 0 to avoid division by zero
  • Potential need to join tables if invitations and responses are stored separately
  • Consideration of whether to include only completed responses or all responses

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

Q2

Write SQL to compare average survey scores between new and existing users, and assess whether any observed difference is statistically significant.

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

This is where it got interesting.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by writing a SQL query that computes average survey scores for new and existing users, then use a statistical test (e.g., t-test) to assess significance. Explain how you would handle data quality issues and interpret the results in a product context.

Pro tip: Mention that you would check for practical significance alongside statistical significance, and consider segmenting by user cohorts or time periods to uncover deeper insights.

1. Define user groups and metrics

Clearly define what constitutes a 'new' vs 'existing' user (e.g., based on signup date or first activity) and identify the survey score metric (e.g., average rating).

2. Write SQL for aggregation

Use SQL to calculate the average survey score and sample size for each group, ensuring proper filtering and grouping.

3. Perform statistical test

Choose an appropriate test (e.g., two-sample t-test) to compare means, and compute the p-value or confidence interval, either in SQL or by exporting results to Python/R.

4. Interpret and validate

Assess statistical significance, check assumptions (e.g., normality, variance), and consider practical significance and potential confounders.

5. Communicate findings

Summarize results clearly, including effect size and business implications, and suggest next steps if needed.

Key Points to Mention

  • Definition of new vs existing users (e.g., based on account age or first activity date)
  • SQL aggregation with AVG and COUNT, using GROUP BY
  • Statistical test selection (e.g., t-test) and assumptions
  • Calculation of p-value and confidence intervals
  • Effect size and practical significance
  • Data quality considerations (e.g., missing data, outliers, sample size)

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