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Can bootstrap help reduce variance

GoogleData Scientist · Onsite
MediumData ScientistOnsiteStatistics & Math

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This question evaluates understanding of bootstrap resampling, the distinction between estimating an estimator’s variance and methods that actually reduce estimator variance, and related ensemble reasoning for a Data Scientist role in the Statistics & Math domain.

An interviewer asks: “Can bootstrap help reduce variance?”

Answer this question precisely. Distinguish between:

  1. Using the bootstrap to estimate variance/standard error.
  2. Using bootstrap-related ideas to actually reduce the variance of an estimator.

Give at least one concrete example where bootstrap does not reduce variance, and one example where bootstrap-style resampling can reduce variance (or yields a lower-variance predictor), and explain why.