If a stakeholder asks you to run a study to prove an idea they already like, how do you respond?

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests influencing stakeholders. Involves stakeholders early, handles resistance to findings constructively, and protects research integrity under pressure.
• What to bring out: Reframes toward an open research question, explains the risk of confirmation bias, keeps the stakeholder involved, and reports honestly whatever the result.
• Expect a follow-up like: What would you do if the findings contradicted the director's idea?

Another way it may be asked: A director says go find evidence that users want my feature. What would you say and do?

A structure to follow: STAR, with the weight on Action and Result

1. Step 1

   Situation

   One or two sentences: where, when and what was at stake. Pick a real example you were close to.

2. Step 2

   Task

   What you personally were responsible for. Say "I", not only "we", so the influencing stakeholders you showed is visible.

3. Step 3

   Action

   The two or three things you did and why you chose them over the alternatives. This should be about half your answer.

4. Step 4

   Result

   What changed, in your own measure of it, and what you would do differently. Only use numbers you can stand behind.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Describing what the team did without saying what you did.
• Choosing an example with no clear outcome, or one you cannot answer detailed questions about.
• Ending on the action and skipping the result and what you learned.

How to practise it

Write two bullet points for each STAR letter, then say the answer aloud in about two minutes.

Related questions

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• Tell me about a study where you deliberately chose one method over another. Why that one?

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