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Airbnb·Data Scientist·Take-home Assignment·Intermediate

Intermediate
Jun 2026

Summary

Airbnb data scientist interview with a meaty take-home style prompt: raw A/B test logs, full pipeline from cleaning to stakeholder communication. Felt like a real work sample more than a quiz, which I actually appreciated.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

You're given raw log-level data from an A/B test. Clean it in Python, compute the key metrics (conversion rate, lift, p-value), build at least one visualization, and explain what the result means for the business.

A/B Testing & ExperimentationProduct Analytics & MetricsStakeholder Management
Author's notes

This is the kind of question that sounds manageable until you're staring at messy logs and realize half your events are duplicated or missing timestamps.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by outlining a structured data cleaning process: handle missing values, remove duplicates, and validate that the data is properly randomized. Then compute conversion rates per group, calculate lift and a two-sample t-test or chi-square test for p-value, and create a clear visualization like a bar chart with confidence intervals. Finally, interpret the results in business terms, considering practical significance and potential next steps.

Pro tip: Always check for sample ratio mismatch (SRM) before analyzing results—if the groups aren't split as expected, the experiment may be invalid. Also, remember that statistical significance doesn't always mean business significance; discuss effect size and confidence intervals.

1. Data Cleaning and Validation

Load the raw log data into a pandas DataFrame, handle missing values, remove duplicates, and ensure each user is assigned to only one group. Check for sample ratio mismatch (SRM) to validate randomization.

2. Compute Key Metrics

Calculate conversion rate for control and treatment groups, compute the absolute and relative lift, and perform a statistical test (e.g., two-proportion z-test or chi-square) to obtain the p-value.

3. Visualize the Results

Create a bar chart with error bars (confidence intervals) for conversion rates by group, and optionally a histogram or boxplot of key metrics to show distribution differences.

4. Interpret and Communicate

Explain the statistical significance (p-value) and practical significance (lift, confidence interval) in business terms. Discuss potential impact on key metrics like bookings or revenue, and recommend next steps (e.g., roll out, iterate, or gather more data).

Key Points to Mention

  • Data cleaning steps: handling missing values, duplicates, and outliers; ensuring data integrity.
  • Sample Ratio Mismatch (SRM) check to validate experiment setup.
  • Choice of statistical test: two-proportion z-test or chi-square for conversion rates; understanding assumptions.
  • Calculation of lift: absolute and relative, with confidence intervals.
  • Visualization best practices: clear labels, error bars, and appropriate chart type.
  • Business interpretation: statistical vs. practical significance, and actionable recommendations.

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