MENTAL MODEL · M0683

Proxy Metric

BusinessHigh supportManagement

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

When we cannot directly measure a goal (e.g., 'brand influence'), we use a related measurable indicator (e.g., 'follower count') as a substitute.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Beware of goal displacement. Proxy metrics are often imperfect. If you over-optimize the proxy metric (e.g., buying followers), it will lead to the failure of Goodhart's law, ultimately deviating from the true goal (influence). It is necessary to constantly calibrate the deviation between the proxy and the actual goal.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

When the target variable is not directly measurable or is costly to measure, a related measurable indicator is used as a substitute; however, there is a systematic deviation between the proxy and the actual goal, and over-optimizing the proxy will cause it to fail (Goodhart's law).

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/3

Practice this model in one real situation:

Before selecting a proxy, test its correlation and stability with the actual goal
set up a calibration mechanism to periodically review the real goal
avoid treating the proxy as the end itself.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
baike.baidu.comhttps://baike.baidu.com/item/%E4%BB%A3%E7%90%86%E5%8F%98%E9%87%8F/23453701ZH · Explicit
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