To achieve any goal, having reliable and well-validated data is essential. First and foremost, review your sources and methodologies to detect potential errors or import failures. Once the issue is confirmed, it’s time to adapt to the new reality and reevaluate ongoing initiatives. By identifying what has changed and seeking additional knowledge, we create room for more creative and effective solutions, turning statistical surprises into opportunities for growth.

It's the flip side that's abnormal, finding only what was expected. In this flipped case look for how the statistical deck may have been stacked (bias in study structure). That said, unexpected results do need to be explained much more carefully with the assistance of content experts and not just by the data analyst / statistician. Don't extrapolate the meaning of unexpected findings unless you want to be in uncharted territory with your clients.

It's normal to have expected and unexpected results. So what we need to do is reevaluate the methodology, data set and statistics. Also there may be the same unexpected results in the literature better to recheck.

When faced with unexpected findings, I see them as an opportunity to uncover deeper insights. I start by rechecking my methodology, ensuring the data collection and analysis were robust. Then, I explore alternative hypotheses, questioning assumptions or identifying overlooked variables. Engaging colleagues for fresh perspectives often brings clarity. Lastly, I communicate findings transparently to stakeholders, framing surprises as opportunities for innovation or re-evaluation. Embracing uncertainty is key to turning surprises into meaningful discoveries.