12-11 |
Clarifying the myths and mysteries about the Spectrum Descriptive Analysis Method |
G. V. CIVILLE and C. A. Dus. Sensory Spectrum Inc., 24 Washington Avenue, Chatham, NJ 07928 The Spectrum Descriptive Analysis Method is applied as a descriptive sensory technique in industry and academia. Questions and myths require clarification regarding the application of the method to products, selection of panelists, development of the lexicon and scaling techniques require clarification. The objective is to present examples of how to apply the method to demonstrate the actual processes used with panelist selection and training as well as sample evaluation which includes the use of the appropriate lexicons and rating scales. Discussion of the techniques used by sensory professionals, experienced in the Spectrum Method, is provided to demonstrate the technically correct use of the Spectrum Descriptive Analysis Method. These discussions focus on training panels, developing lexicons for product categories, evaluating samples, and comparing panel data across time and panels. Data from different panels on various products demonstrate the analytical nature of the method, the benefits of the universal scaling system, and the standard lexicon development. Results from cross panel validation studies reveal the robust analytical character of the results. The ultimate benefits from the results and discussions are the clarification of this robust technique with examples of multiple applications, communication across laboratories, and analytical nature of the information.
Session 12, Sensory Evaluation: Sensory techniques - Descriptive analysis
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