Sensory Evaluation Spectrum Method as a Descriptive Sensory Analysis

Yoshie Yamagata, Yoshiaki Sugawara^*

Department of Health Science, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan.

DOI: 10.4236/psych.2014.514170                

Abstract

Sensory evaluation is used to measure consciousness, and primarily developed in experimental and mathematical psychology. Sensory experiences can be reported using verbal (semantic) methods. This paper presents an overview of our semantic research achievements over the past decade, focusing on methodological attempts for substantiating the measure as a descriptive sensory analysis. Two types of studies that deserve particular attention are detailed: 1) evaluation of the efficacy of photo catalytic elimination of stains or bio-aerosols in air using TiO₂ and photo catalytic deodorizing properties of a TiO₂-type deodorizer; and 2) evaluation of the differential discrimination of perceived odor quality for a given aroma while inhaling the fragrances of essential oils. Both studies are based on semantic responses of participants. The perceived sensory attributes in the participants can be represented by a sensory spectrum: a bar graph whereby the mean of the impressions is plotted against the setting semantic impression descriptors. In the former study, we provide a background on the sensory evaluation spectrum method and discuss its implementation as a measure of descriptive sensory analysis. The latter study additionally demonstrates how statistical defects were overcome when spectra were not statistically significant.

Keywords

Sensory Evaluation, Photocatalytic Elimination of Bio-Aerosol, Photocatalytic Deodorizing Efficacy of TiO₂, Differential Discrimination of Perceived Odor Quality

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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