Peek-and-look
The term ‘peek-and-look' has multiple meanings in a social context.
The problem with data analysis of A/B tests is clear:
An A/B test, also known as a “split test”, is a test method for evaluating two variants of a system. The original version is tested against a slightly modified version. This method is used in software and web design. The aim is precise: to increase a specific user action or response. It has become one of the most essential test methods in online marketing. A/B testing is also used to compare designs, prices and advertising measures.
A/B testing is a process where only one variable is changed and its effectiveness is tested. It is vital to ensure the effectiveness of an A/B test and the validity of the results. This means there must be sufficient selectivity. It is crucial to provide an adequate sample size, particularly in test designs, to ensure the reliability of minimally detectable effects.
Before A/B testing, you must define appropriate goals and hypotheses so that you can assess the success or failure of a measure. To obtain meaningful results, hypotheses must always be tested individually. Two types of hypotheses are considered: those that state that an existing element is conducive to the objective and those that have not yet been implemented.
The statistical test procedures used for A/B testing depend on the properties of the data used. The ‘two-sample hypothesis tests' include the ‘Welch t-test', ‘Fisher's exact test', ‘chi-square test', ‘Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test' and ‘permutation test', depending on the application. AB Testing
Peek-and-look can therefore be a statistical problem. Decisions made during the runtime of an A/B test and before the test is completed based on preliminary results can falsely give the impression of a significant change (type I error).
A/B tests are therefore of great social relevance in today's data-driven world—for example, personal website design, marketing campaigns and product features. Investing in products and strategies based on incorrect data inevitably leads to poor business results, experiences and wrong decisions. This will lead to poor user experiences, wasted resources, economic losses and a significant loss of trust due to data-based decisions.
This is an ‘XY problem' – it is a communication and problem-solving issue.
The ‘XY problem' is a communication problem, mainly in customer service. The fundamental problem, X, of a person seeking support is virtually lost. The person does not ask for a solution to problem X. Instead, they ask for a solution to a secondary problem, Y. The questionnaire suggests that solving problem Y will address the underlying problem X.
However, solving problem Y does not solve problem X, or the problem is only solved inadequately. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid obscuring the actual situation and instead focus on a potentially related secondary issue. This will prevent communication difficulties and ensure adequate solutions are provided by the person trying to help. XY Problem
The XY problem is a common occurrence in technical support and customer service, where users attempt to solve their problems independently. Users often misunderstand the actual problem or its root cause. This leads them to believe that the actual problem X has already been solved and that only one small detail, Y, needs to be resolved. The resulting inability of support staff to solve the actual problem or understand the background of the request is frustrating for end users. It is clear when this happens, as end users will often ask for details that are useless for achieving any worthwhile goal. The solution for support staff is to ask questions to identify the actual underlying problem and steer end users away from an unproductive path.
It is a communication problem in which one person tries to find a solution to a problem. Rather than describing the problem, they look for a way to implement their solution. This often results in incorrect advice because the actual situation cannot be identified.
The ‘XY problem' is prevalent in many areas of society.
As I have explained, customers tend to describe solutions they have devised themselves, rather than the underlying problem. This inevitably leads to longer processing times and frustration on both sides.
Politicians present proposed solutions without conducting thorough research or understanding the problem. The measures they propose are ineffective and have lasting negative consequences.
Here's the bottom line.
You can only learn if you know, have researched the answer to a question and understand what you are learning.
It is essential to articulate your thoughts and feelings clearly to avoid misunderstandings in relationships, cooperation or everyday interactions.
There has been considerable discussion recently about problems ranging from individual cases to large-scale retail issues. These range from insolvency to accusations of incorrect use of government coronavirus support. Online shopping, general changes in consumer behaviour and higher overall costs often lead to scandals. When companies go bankrupt or have to close branches, a wide range of social consequences ensue. Employees lose their jobs. City centres suffer when large, well-known and popular shops close. The number of people coming into town is falling. This also hurts other, smaller shops. The retail sector has changed significantly. Even traditional companies often find themselves in difficulty and must adapt quickly to new market conditions. Responsibility for state aid and the efficiency of state support is sometimes raised. In inventory or marketing assessments, reference is also made to the ‘peeking problem' within data analysis or the ‘XY problem' within general communication.