Research Interview Questions - Medium

calendarDec 13, 2025 · 2 min read · research interview medium methodology analysis  ·
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Medium-level research interview questions covering advanced methodologies and analysis techniques.

Q1: Explain different experimental designs and when to use each.

Answer:

Between-Subjects Design

Pros: No learning effects, simpler analysis Cons: Need more participants, individual differences

Within-Subjects Design

Pros: Fewer participants, control individual differences Cons: Learning effects, fatigue

Factorial Design

Pros: Test multiple factors, find interactions Cons: Complex, need more participants

Q2: How do you handle confounding variables?

Answer:

Example - Testing Algorithm Performance:

Solution: Use same hardware for all tests (standardization)

Q3: Explain power analysis and sample size calculation.

Answer:

Power: Probability of detecting effect if it exists

Q4: How do you conduct meta-analysis?

Answer:

Forest Plot Visualization:

Heterogeneity Tests:

  • I²: Percentage of variation due to heterogeneity
    • I² < 25%: Low
    • I² 25-75%: Moderate
    • I² > 75%: High

Q5: Explain different types of bias in research.

Answer:

Selection Bias

Mitigation: Random sampling, stratified sampling

Publication Bias

Mitigation: Pre-registration, publish all results

Q6: How do you perform A/B testing correctly?

Answer:

Common Pitfalls:

Sequential Testing:

Q7: Explain regression analysis and when to use it.

Answer:

Simple Linear Regression

Equation: $y = \beta_0 + \beta_1 x + \epsilon$

Interpretation:

  • $\beta_0$: Intercept (accuracy with 0 training)
  • $\beta_1$: Slope (accuracy increase per hour)
  • $R^2$: Proportion of variance explained

Multiple Regression

Use Cases:

  • Predict continuous outcomes
  • Understand relationships
  • Control for confounds
  • Feature importance

Q8: How do you handle missing data?

Answer:

Handling Strategies:

Multiple Imputation Process:

Q9: Explain causal inference and methods.

Answer:

Causal Diagrams (DAG)

Propensity Score Matching

Q10: How do you conduct reproducible research?

Answer:

Project Structure:

Reproducibility Checklist:

Summary

Medium research topics:

  • Experimental Designs: Between, within, factorial
  • Confounding Variables: Control strategies
  • Power Analysis: Sample size calculation
  • Meta-Analysis: Combining study results
  • Research Bias: Types and mitigation
  • A/B Testing: Proper implementation
  • Regression Analysis: Prediction and relationships
  • Missing Data: Handling strategies
  • Causal Inference: Establishing causality
  • Reproducibility: Version control, documentation

These techniques enable conducting rigorous, reliable research.

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