Classification of Sensory Evaluation Tests | Lesson 1

Summary

The Institute of Food Technologists presents sensory evaluation as a scientific discipline that assesses reactions to food characteristics through the senses. It plays a crucial role in product development, research, quality control, and shelf life studies. Sensory tests are categorized into discrimination, descriptive, and affective acceptance, each serving different objectives. Discrimination tests identify differences, descriptive tests characterize food attributes, and affective tests gauge consumer preference. This overview sets the stage for deeper exploration of sensory evaluation methods in upcoming lessons.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Sensory evaluation is a scientific discipline used to measure reactions to food and material characteristics as perceived by the senses.
• 📊 It plays a crucial role in product development, research, quality control, and shelf life studies, serving as a basis for decision-making.
• 📝 Sensory tests are categorized into three groups: discrimination, descriptive, and affective acceptance, each providing different types of information.
• 🔍 Discrimination tests, including difference and sensitivity tests, determine if there are differences between samples and are useful in quality control and judge training.
• 👥 Common methods for discrimination testing include paired comparison, triangle, duo, trio, and ranking tests.
• 📋 Descriptive testing aims to characterize and compare samples based on specific attributes, using methods like attribute rating, texture or flavor profiling, and quantitative descriptive analysis.
• 💖 Affective testing assesses whether panelists like a product, prefer one over another, or intend to use it, considering factors beyond likability.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Affective tests often involve large panels of 50 to 100 untrained or inexperienced judges, known as consumer panels.
• 📚 The choice of the appropriate sensory test should be based on clearly defined objectives for the project.
• 🔑 One disadvantage of some discrimination methods is that only two samples can be compared at a time, which may require extensive pairing.
• 🎥 The video series will provide examples of each sensory test type in upcoming lessons.

Q & A

What is sensory evaluation according to the Institute of Food Technologists?

Sensory evaluation is a scientific discipline used to evoke, measure, analyze, and interpret reactions to the characteristics of foods and materials as they are perceived by the senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing.

What are the main applications of sensory evaluation tests?

Sensory evaluation tests may be used in product development, research, quality control, and shelf life studies, and the data gathered can be used as the basis for decision making.

How are sensory tests categorized based on the type of information they provide?

Sensory tests are categorized into three types: discrimination, descriptive, and affective acceptance, based on the type of information they provide.

What are the two groups of discrimination tests?

Discrimination tests are divided into two groups: difference tests, which determine if there is a difference between or among samples, and sensitivity tests.

What are some common methods used in discrimination testing?

Common methods of discrimination testing include paired comparison, triangle, duo, trio, and ranking tests.

Why are discrimination tests particularly useful in product development and quality control?

Discrimination tests are useful in product development and quality control because they help in selecting and training judges and are relatively easy for the judges as they require only a short memory of food quality.

What is the objective of descriptive testing?

The objective of descriptive testing is to characterize and/or compare samples with respect to one or more specific characteristics, such as attribute rating, texture, flavor profiling, and quantitative descriptive analysis.

What is the purpose of affective testing?

Affective testing is used to determine if panelists like a product, if they prefer one product to another, and/or if they intend to use a product.

Why might a judge show a strong preference for a sample but not use it or accept it for reasons other than its likability?

A judge might show a strong preference for a sample but not use it or accept it due to factors unrelated to the product's likability, such as personal habits, cultural influences, or practical considerations.

What is the typical size of a panel used in affective testing and why is it called a consumer panel?

A large panel of around 50 to 100 is used in affective testing, and it is often called a consumer panel because untrained, inexperienced, or naive judges are used.

How will the upcoming video lessons expand on the topic of sensory evaluation tests?

The upcoming video lessons will discuss each type of sensory evaluation test with examples to provide a deeper understanding of their application and methodology.