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Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of TravelSmart in offering a 5% discount for users booking both flights and hotels?
What is the primary goal of TravelSmart in offering a 5% discount for users booking both flights and hotels?
In A/B testing, 'Version A' refers to a potential change being tested against an existing version.
In A/B testing, 'Version A' refers to a potential change being tested against an existing version.
False (B)
What type of test is the scenario described in the content considered as?
What type of test is the scenario described in the content considered as?
A/B test
Before proceeding with an A/B test, it is important to define a very ______ hypothesis so that we have a context on which to evaluate the results of our experiment or test.
Before proceeding with an A/B test, it is important to define a very ______ hypothesis so that we have a context on which to evaluate the results of our experiment or test.
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Why is the spaghetti test considered a poor analogy for hypothesis design?
Why is the spaghetti test considered a poor analogy for hypothesis design?
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Which of the following hypotheses is the MOST comprehensive for TravelSmart to test with the 5% discount experiment?
Which of the following hypotheses is the MOST comprehensive for TravelSmart to test with the 5% discount experiment?
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Insanely difficult question: If TravelSmart's goal is to increase purchasing customer count, what baseline metric must they monitor in the 'Version A' (status quo) scenario, prior to implementing the 5% discount, to accurately assess the success of 'Version B'?
Insanely difficult question: If TravelSmart's goal is to increase purchasing customer count, what baseline metric must they monitor in the 'Version A' (status quo) scenario, prior to implementing the 5% discount, to accurately assess the success of 'Version B'?
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Why is the statement about TravelSmart revenue changes being due to many different reasons (time of year, events, etc.) considered the “spaghetti hypothesis”?
Why is the statement about TravelSmart revenue changes being due to many different reasons (time of year, events, etc.) considered the “spaghetti hypothesis”?
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Control variables are elements that are expected to remain constant during an experiment.
Control variables are elements that are expected to remain constant during an experiment.
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What negative impact can variations in control variables have on an experiment?
What negative impact can variations in control variables have on an experiment?
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Identifying your control variables is very important for mitigating ______ data because slight variations in variables which you expect to remain constant throughout your experiment can greatly affect the outcomes being measured.
Identifying your control variables is very important for mitigating ______ data because slight variations in variables which you expect to remain constant throughout your experiment can greatly affect the outcomes being measured.
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In Taylor's diet experiment, what made it difficult to determine if vegetable consumption led to weight loss?
In Taylor's diet experiment, what made it difficult to determine if vegetable consumption led to weight loss?
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Why were users more satisfied with TravelSmart's new pricing strategy, even if the net revenue remained the same?
Why were users more satisfied with TravelSmart's new pricing strategy, even if the net revenue remained the same?
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An effective hypothesis should include numerous uncontrollable variables to ensure real-world applicability.
An effective hypothesis should include numerous uncontrollable variables to ensure real-world applicability.
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In the context of experimentation, what is the purpose of identifying control variables?
In the context of experimentation, what is the purpose of identifying control variables?
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What is the most significant problem with a hypothesis resembling the 'spaghetti hypothesis'?
What is the most significant problem with a hypothesis resembling the 'spaghetti hypothesis'?
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Which of the following best describes macro conversions in the context of a website?
Which of the following best describes macro conversions in the context of a website?
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Micro conversions are more important than macro conversions when evaluating the success of an experiment.
Micro conversions are more important than macro conversions when evaluating the success of an experiment.
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Give an example of a macro conversion for a travel website like TravelSmart.
Give an example of a macro conversion for a travel website like TravelSmart.
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When defining an experiment, it is crucial to track __________ conversions as Key Performance Indicators.
When defining an experiment, it is crucial to track __________ conversions as Key Performance Indicators.
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Match the following conversions to their type:
Match the following conversions to their type:
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In the described experiment, why was the outcome considered unsuccessful, despite increased page visits?
In the described experiment, why was the outcome considered unsuccessful, despite increased page visits?
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If an experiment leads to a significant increase in micro conversions, it automatically guarantees a successful outcome for the business.
If an experiment leads to a significant increase in micro conversions, it automatically guarantees a successful outcome for the business.
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In the context of website experimentation, what is a crucial takeaway regarding the definition and tracking of conversions?
In the context of website experimentation, what is a crucial takeaway regarding the definition and tracking of conversions?
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Given the experiment's results, which of the following actions should be prioritized in future experiments?
Given the experiment's results, which of the following actions should be prioritized in future experiments?
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The experiment's failure highlights the risk of focusing on metrics that don't ultimately drive __________ __________.
The experiment's failure highlights the risk of focusing on metrics that don't ultimately drive __________ __________.
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Why is it important to mitigate risk on a small population before a full-scale product deployment?
Why is it important to mitigate risk on a small population before a full-scale product deployment?
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Deploying an experiment to the first 2% of users is always the most representative way to gather user feedback.
Deploying an experiment to the first 2% of users is always the most representative way to gather user feedback.
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Which of the following is the primary advantage of randomly selecting users for an experiment?
Which of the following is the primary advantage of randomly selecting users for an experiment?
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What is a potential issue with deploying an experiment to the first 2% of users based on time?
What is a potential issue with deploying an experiment to the first 2% of users based on time?
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Even with randomization, the actual percentage of users receiving a deal at any given time will around the target percentage.
Even with randomization, the actual percentage of users receiving a deal at any given time will around the target percentage.
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Which macro conversion is most suitable as a KPI for an experiment aimed at expanding the user base?
Which macro conversion is most suitable as a KPI for an experiment aimed at expanding the user base?
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In an A/B test, the group that does not receive the experimental change is known as the treatment group.
In an A/B test, the group that does not receive the experimental change is known as the treatment group.
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What is the primary reason for initially exposing only a small percentage of users to an experiment?
What is the primary reason for initially exposing only a small percentage of users to an experiment?
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In A/B testing, the group exposed to the new feature or change is called the ______ group.
In A/B testing, the group exposed to the new feature or change is called the ______ group.
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Why is it important to ramp up an experiment in phases rather than immediately exposing a large portion of users?
Why is it important to ramp up an experiment in phases rather than immediately exposing a large portion of users?
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Exposing 50% of users to an experiment from the start is a balanced approach that maximizes information gain while minimizing risk.
Exposing 50% of users to an experiment from the start is a balanced approach that maximizes information gain while minimizing risk.
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What potential severe consequence can occur if a product with a bug is released to all users without proper A/B testing?
What potential severe consequence can occur if a product with a bug is released to all users without proper A/B testing?
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Ramping up experiments in phases is known as a ______ release.
Ramping up experiments in phases is known as a ______ release.
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A company decides to A/B test a new feature on their website. They start by exposing 0.5% of their 2,000,000 users to the new feature. After a week, they observe no significant negative impact, but also no major positive impact. According to the principles outlined, what would be the MOST appropriate next step?
A company decides to A/B test a new feature on their website. They start by exposing 0.5% of their 2,000,000 users to the new feature. After a week, they observe no significant negative impact, but also no major positive impact. According to the principles outlined, what would be the MOST appropriate next step?
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Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
Match the following terms with their correct definitions:
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Flashcards
A/B Testing
A/B Testing
A method to compare two versions of a webpage or app against each other to determine which one performs better.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis
A testable statement predicting the outcome of an experiment or study.
Business Metrics
Business Metrics
Quantifiable measures used to track and assess the status of business performance.
5% Discount Promotion
5% Discount Promotion
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Experimental Design
Experimental Design
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User Engagement Metrics
User Engagement Metrics
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Customer Count
Customer Count
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5% Discount Impact
5% Discount Impact
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Spaghetti Hypothesis
Spaghetti Hypothesis
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Control Variables
Control Variables
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Uncontrollable Variables
Uncontrollable Variables
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Noisy Data
Noisy Data
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Weight Loss Experiment Example
Weight Loss Experiment Example
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Contextual Factors
Contextual Factors
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Mitigation Strategies
Mitigation Strategies
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Mitigating Risk
Mitigating Risk
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Random Sampling
Random Sampling
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Control Group
Control Group
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Experiment Analysis
Experiment Analysis
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Percentage Fluctuation
Percentage Fluctuation
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Macro Conversions
Macro Conversions
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Micro Conversions
Micro Conversions
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Examples of Macro Conversions
Examples of Macro Conversions
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Examples of Micro Conversions
Examples of Micro Conversions
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Importance of Tracking
Importance of Tracking
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Experiment Results
Experiment Results
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Failure of Experiment
Failure of Experiment
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Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
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Evaluating Conversions
Evaluating Conversions
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Post-Experiment Analysis
Post-Experiment Analysis
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Macro Conversion KPI
Macro Conversion KPI
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Treatment Group
Treatment Group
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Phased Release
Phased Release
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User Base
User Base
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Risk Mitigation
Risk Mitigation
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Experiment Ramp Up
Experiment Ramp Up
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Impact Measurement
Impact Measurement
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100,000 User Scenario
100,000 User Scenario
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Information Gain
Information Gain
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Study Notes
Case 2.1: A/B Testing
- Business Context: TravelSmart, a growing company, is competing with larger players. They are offering a 5% discount for users booking both flights and hotels.
- Business Problem: Determine if the 5% bundle discount promotion increases the number of purchasing customers.
- Analytical Context: The scenario is an A/B test. An A/B test compares a new version (B) of something to the existing version (A) to see if the change improves key metrics.
- Hypothesis Design: A concise hypothesis is essential for evaluating results. A poor example is the "spaghetti test" (is the spaghetti done?), needing a specific, measurable hypothesis.
- Control Variables: Elements that must remain unchanged throughout the experiment to ensure accurate results. Significant examples include user experience changes or new routes that might influence results.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Key metrics used to measure the success of the experiment. Macro conversions are primary metrics, while micro conversions are smaller components leading to macro conversions. Examples include: Total Number of Ticket Sales, Membership Purchases, Sales and Leads Conversions, etc.
Exercise 1
- Hypotheses:
- Incorrect (a): The 5% discount for both flights and hotels will increase revenue. Too many external factors can influence this result.
- Incorrect (b): The 5% discount brings in more customers. This is also too broad.
- Correct (c): The 5% discount incentivizes users to book flights and hotels. This is a more specific hypothesis.
- Incorrect (d): The 5% discount allows TravelSmart to increase hotel prices, increasing overall sales. Too many complex variables are involved.
- Key Idea: Hypotheses must be precise, specific, and contain context.
Exercise 2
- Control Variables: Select all that apply:
- Implementing previously scheduled user experience and visual improvements. (Probably already tested/incorporated into the existing version already)
- Introducing a brand new, unique route not offered by competitors. (Likely significant impact on the results)
- Performance of the sales team. (Potentially significant, but cannot be controlled during testing.)
- Remodeling the current engineering infrastructure. (Unlikely to significantly affect test results)
Exercise 3
- Experiment Deployment: With 100,000 users, start with a small percentage (2%, 2000 users), then increase gradually if the experiment shows no negative impact, for example 7%(7000 users), and so on. This approach mitigates potential risks.
Exercise 4
- Randomization:
- Randomly selecting users for the new deal (Option II) is better than a fixed 2% (Option I) because it creates a more representative sample in the experiment testing, mitigating potential biases.
Exercise 5
- Ramping up the Experiment: Incrementally increase the percentage of users exposed to the new deal with each successful test.
- Ramp-up phases are critical: Each phase should be tested to mitigate the long-term risks of exposing the entire user base to an unstable product.
- Results Interpretation: If the results are statistically significant that the deal increases the percentage of purchasing users, then the A/B test is successful.
Conclusions
- Key Takeaway: A/B tests are crucial for rapid feedback and determining if the new changes (the deal) are well received. Randomization is fundamental to accurate A/B test results, with appropriate metrics. Identify appropriate metrics (KPI's) first.
- Use cases: Examples of Macro Conversions (that is more user-focused metrics): are Total Number of Ticket Sales, Membership Purchases, and Sales and Leads conversions . Example of a Micro Conversion is Views on a Specific Route, Time Spent on Landing Page, and Number of Referral Accounts.
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Description
Test your knowledge on A/B testing principles and marketing strategies, particularly as they relate to TravelSmart's discount offers. This quiz will cover hypothesis design, testing scenarios, and customer metrics essential for evaluating marketing experiments.