Capabilities
The sensory evaluation lab at Washington State University supports an active sensory evaluation program. In the past two years, the sensory facilities were extensively renovated, with the installation of computers in each panelist booth, as well as the addition of the Compusense® software system, the industry standard, to facilitate data collection and analysis.
A wide variety of tests can be conducted in our facility, including difference tests, threshold determinations, descriptive analysis, consumer acceptance and preference, development of standard scales, and development of sensory terminology.
- Difference Tests - Difference tests are used to determine whether panelists can detect any difference between a set of products. The most commonly used difference tests are Triangle, Duo-Trio, and Paired Comparison tests. Factors to consider when choosing the type of test to be used include sensory fatigue, time, sample availability, and statistical efficiency. Difference tests usually precede either descriptive or consumer tests and provide the basis for which further research is warranted.
- Descriptive Analysis – Descriptive analysis involves the detection and description of both the qualitative and quantitative sensory aspects of a product by a trained panel (Meilgaard et al., 1999). During the course of the training period, the panelists select the attributes to be tested (including appearance, aroma, flavor, texture or auditory properties) and develop the appropriate terminology. Quantitative information is obtained by assigning a value along a scale that includes reference or anchor points.
- Consumer Acceptance and Preference – Consumer testing is a crucial part of sensory evaluation. Both acceptability and preference can be assessed with consumer panels, acceptability testing focusing on a measure of liking for a product, and preference testing on a comparison between two or more products.
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