Research Methodology & Design Flashcards

If two samples are always prepared on different days, the day effect and the sample effect are:

Answer: Confounded

When two factors always vary together, their effects cannot be separated, so they are confounded.

Which consumer test location offers the most control over sample preparation and environment?

Answer: Central location test (CLT)

CLTs let researchers standardize preparation, serving, and testing conditions.

Which test is most appropriate when the research goal is realistic, extended product use by consumers?

Answer: Home use test

Home use tests capture normal usage conditions over time, improving ecological validity.

A study shows panel results match instrumental measurements of the same property. This supports the method's:

Answer: Validity

Agreement with an independent criterion measure provides evidence of validity.

Which ASTM standard guide addresses sensory claim substantiation?

Answer: ASTM E1958

ASTM E1958 provides guidance on designing sensory tests to support advertising claims.

In a factorial design studying sugar level (3) and acid level (3), how many treatment combinations exist?

Answer: 9

A 3 × 3 full factorial yields 9 unique treatment combinations.

A key advantage of a factorial design over one-factor-at-a-time testing is that it:

Answer: Reveals interactions between factors

Factorial designs estimate how factors combine, detecting interactions that one-at-a-time tests miss.