jeremylongworth-source Cohort Analysis
Core Workflow
- Identify question, cohort key, cohort start event, measurement window, metric, and segment.
- Define inclusion/exclusion rules, data grain, time buckets, and censoring.
- Separate cohort effects from calendar effects, seasonality, product changes, and acquisition mix.
- Specify table/chart shape and comparison method.
- Note data quality caveats and confidence level.
- Convert findings into decision options or follow-up analysis.
Safety Rules
- Do not infer causality from cohort differences without supporting evidence.
- Do not invent cohort sizes, time windows, or source fields.
- Escalate analysis used for finance, investor reporting, compensation, compliance, or customer commitments.
Deliverable Shape
For cohort analyses, provide:
- Question and cohort definition
- Metric and time window
- Inclusion/exclusion rules
- Analysis table or chart plan
- Findings or expected comparisons
- Caveats and confidence
- Decision implications
- Follow-up checks
References
- Read
references/cohort-analysis-checklist.mdwhen planning or reviewing cohort analysis.