Blog: Digital Customer Experience News, Trends, & Expert Tips

Why Stat Sig Is Wrong

Written by Pete Kurkowski | 03/05/24

When every customer click, touchpoint and interaction matters, it's crucial to reevaluate the tools we use to understand customer behavior. Traditional A/B testing, rooted in frequentist statistics, has been the go-to method for years. But at Evolv AI, we're turning the tables by championing Bayesian methods for “Active Learning.”

Let's dive into why the Bayesian approach could change the game in delivering superior customer experiences and improving revenue.

The Old Guard: Frequentist Methods

Frequentist statistics is the traditional approach to A/B testing. It follows a linear process: collect the complete data set, analyze it, and declare a definitive result. This method has a clear, straightforward process, but it's not without its challenges. For instance, you might have to wait weeks to realize your experiment didn't yield the expected results, or you could find yourself struggling with error rates when managing multiple metrics. It's often a process of navigating uncertainties and complexities, similar to trying to hit a bullseye in the dark.

Embracing Change: The Bayesian Way

Enter Bayesian statistics, the heart of Evolv AI's approach. This methodology isn't just about picking a winner and moving on. Instead, it's a dynamic system of continuous active learning and adapting, especially adept in environments with uncertainty. Bayesian methods shine when dealing with smaller sample sizes, allowing even businesses with lower site traffic to extract valuable insights.

What sets Bayesian apart is its ability to handle a wide array of testing scenarios. It doesn't just test single changes in isolation; it combines variations across multiple tests. This integration creates a myriad of possible variant combinations, providing a comprehensive understanding of what works best.

Moreover, the Bayesian framework is exceptionally adaptive. As new variants are introduced into an experiment, they are seamlessly integrated, expanding the testing landscape without the need for stopping and restarting tests. This ongoing process of adding and evaluating variants enables the Bayesian model to continuously refine and optimize, identifying the most effective combination of variant elements. It's an ever-evolving system, constantly tuning to find the optimal customer experience based on the latest available data.

The Nitty-Gritty: Why Bayesian Wins

  • Smaller Sample Sizes: Bayesian doesn't need a crowd to speak its truth. With potentially 75% less traffic, you can still make confident decisions.
  • Dealing with Uncertainty: Bayesian methods don't just tolerate uncertainty; they embrace it, giving you a nuanced view of your data.
  • Frequent Analysis: Regular analysis of your ongoing tests is encouraged, allowing for swift adjustments and informed decision making while tests are still ongoing. 
  • Intuitive Interpretations: Bayesian methods provide interpretable results through credible intervals. These intervals offer clear, actionable insights, much like a concise narrative about your data, rather than cryptic or ambiguous messages. They effectively communicate the range of plausible values for an unknown parameter, making it easier to understand and act on the findings.
  • Quantifying Uncertainty: By assigning probabilities to different outcomes, Bayesian methods provide a clear picture of the range of possible results and their likelihoods. This approach transforms uncertainty from a vague concept into a quantifiable metric, guiding decision-makers to more informed choices by clearly illustrating the risk and potential of different options.

Evolv AI and Bayesian Methods: A Strategic Approach

At Evolv AI, we utilize Bayesian methods as a core component of our Active Learning system. By harnessing Bayesian statistics, we gain deeper insights into customer preferences and behavior. This understanding enables us to drive revenue growth and facilitate better-informed decision-making.

Evolv AI doesn't just analyze data; it actively learns from it, continuously refining its understanding of what resonates with your audience. This leads to more effective and efficient optimizations, directly impacting key performance metrics. By embracing this advanced statistical approach, and pairing it with AI, Evolv AI equips businesses with the tools to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market, ensuring that every decision is backed by robust, data-driven insights.

The Practical Edge of Bayesian Methods at Evolv AI

Bayesian methods are reshaping how businesses understand customer behavior. These approaches offer clear advantages over traditional frequentist methods: continuous learning, adaptability, and the ability to make informed decisions with less data. For businesses, this translates into accelerated testing, improved decision-making, and optimized resource allocation.

Evolv AI applies Bayesian statistics to deliver these benefits directly. Evolv AI’s Active Learning system enhances customer experiences, drives revenue growth, and offers a more flexible approach to market challenges. By utilizing AI for intelligent testing and adaptation, we help businesses efficiently navigate an ever-changing landscape.

Ready for a path of continuous improvement and measurable success? See what Evolv AI can do for you today!