Research Methodology & Design Flashcards

A project team asks whether a cost-reduced formula is perceptibly different from the current product. Which test category fits best?

Answer: Discrimination (difference) test

The question is whether any difference exists, which is the purpose of discrimination testing.

For a similarity (equivalence) test, which risk should be set small to protect against missing a real difference?

Answer: Beta (β)

In similarity testing, beta is kept small so a true difference is unlikely to go undetected.

Testing the same samples with the same panelists in separate sessions is mainly done to:

Answer: Estimate panelist and session repeatability

Replication lets researchers estimate within-panelist error and check consistency over time.

A strongly flavored sample served first lowers ratings of the next mild sample. This is an example of:

Answer: Contrast/carryover effect

Carryover and contrast effects occur when a prior sample influences perception of the following sample.

Which practice best controls for carryover between samples within a session?

Answer: Using palate cleansers and timed rest intervals

Palate cleansers and rest periods reduce sensory adaptation and residual effects.

In a consumer acceptance study, which population should be sampled?

Answer: Target users of the product category

Acceptance results are only meaningful when respondents represent the product's target consumers.

Grouping trials so that panelist or day-to-day variation is separated from treatment variation is called:

Answer: Blocking

Blocking accounts for known nuisance sources so treatment effects are estimated more precisely.