Sequential Testing
Sequential testing is a statistical methodology used in hypothesis testing where data is analyzed as it becomes available, rather than after a fixed sample size is collected. It allows for early stopping of experiments when sufficient evidence is reached, making it more efficient than traditional fixed-sample testing. This approach is commonly applied in clinical trials, A/B testing, and quality control to reduce sample sizes and time while maintaining statistical validity.
Developers should learn sequential testing when designing experiments or tests that involve data collection over time, such as in software A/B testing, user behavior analysis, or performance monitoring. It is particularly useful in agile development environments where rapid iteration is needed, as it enables faster decision-making by stopping tests early when results are conclusive. This reduces resource usage and accelerates product improvements while controlling error rates like false positives.