Methods in sensory testing

There are a finite number of methods described in the sensory literature and a very large number of modifications, many of which are based on a need to try a different method, or belief that a modified method will improve results. In most instances, the modifications are driven by a statistical, not a behavioral approach. Increasing the power of a test is a goal and certainly will have a significant impact on the results, but how much more power can be achieved if one is not using qualified subjects. Confidence in results derives from knowing what subjects were used, the chosen design, and the analysis of the data. 

Methods can be classified as either analytical or affective. Analytical methods are either discriminative or descriptive they provide product analytical information. Affective tests are hedonic or paired preference they provide product liking or preference information. These methods provide different kinds of information and should not be combined, a topic discussed later in this section. These methods are the foundation on which none evaluation has developed. Each provides different kinds of information and none of them is superior to another in terms of sensitivity. 

Analytical methods provide product analytical information and there are two types - discrimination and descriptive. 

Discrimination methods enable one to determine whether the difference between products is perceived at some previously established significance or confidence level. Since all products are different from each other, the question is whether that difference is detected by a sufficient number of subjects to be able to conclude that the 

There are numerous methods described in the literature but only few are nsed to any degree of frequency. The most frequently used methods are described here. 

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