No. #39

Insensitivity to Sample Size
- Disregarding the Role of Scale

Insensitivity to sample size is the tendency to underweight or ignore the size of a sample when evaluating the reliability of data or evidence. This can lead to overconfidence in findings from small datasets or pilot studies in product development.

Read more on Wikipedia

Product example

A team may make broad product decisions based on feedback from a very small user group, assuming it's representative of the entire user base.

Empathy tips

1

Highlight Sample Size Importance

Emphasize the importance of sample size in data analysis and decision-making.

2

Scale Up Research

Ensure that user research involves sufficiently large and representative samples.

3

Data Literacy Training

Train teams in data literacy, focusing on the importance of sample size.

4

Review and Validation

Regularly review and validate findings with larger data sets to ensure accuracy.

Need an empathic partner?

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Anna Lundqvist
UX & AI ethics expert driving better products and smarter teams.
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Eddy Salzmann
Design lead crafting seamless products and mentoring design teams.
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Ola Möller
Facilitator helping organisations see the big picture and take action.