Sensory Evaluation Principles Flashcards

In a triangle test with no real difference between products, what is the probability of a panelist picking the odd sample by chance?

Answer: 1/3

Three samples with one odd one gives a 1-in-3 guessing chance.

A duo-trio test has a chance probability of:

Answer: 1/2

The panelist chooses between two samples to match the reference, so chance is 50%.

How many unique serving-order combinations exist for a balanced triangle test (two A, one B or two B, one A)?

Answer: 6

AAB, ABA, BAA, BBA, BAB, ABB give six combinations.

Which test is most appropriate when a chef wants to know whether a reformulated sauce is MORE salty than the control?

Answer: Directional paired comparison

Directional paired comparison asks which sample is higher in a specified attribute.

A Type II (beta) error in a difference test means:

Answer: Failing to detect a difference that truly exists

Beta risk is missing a real difference.

For a similarity test (proving a substitute ingredient is equivalent), which design choice is most important?

Answer: Large panel to keep beta risk low

Similarity claims require low beta risk, which demands a larger panel.

Which test type does NOT require the panelist to know the specific attribute that differs?

Answer: Triangle test

Triangle tests are overall difference tests that do not specify an attribute.