Validation of the hedonic threshold methodology in determining the compromised acceptance threshold

• Published in: Journal of sensory studies Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Lima Filho, Tarcísio, Della Lucia, Suzana Maria, Minim, Luis Antônio, Silva, Rita de Cássia dos Santos Navarro da, Silva, Alexandre Navarro da, Minim, Valéria Paula Rodrigues
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cincinnati Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.04.2017
• Subjects: Acceptance; Acceptance criteria; Acceptance tests; Accuracy; Consumers; Data processing; Sensory properties
• ISSN: 0887-8250; 1745-459X
• DOI: 10.1111/joss.12255

The compromised acceptance threshold (CAT) indicates the intensity of a stimulus from which product acceptance is significantly altered. This new affective threshold is determined by hedonic threshold methodology (HTM). The levels of analytical performance associated with precision (repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility), accuracy, and robustness of CAT results were investigated. The methodology met the pre‐established criteria, being accurate in assessments carried out consecutively (repeatability), in tests separated by a certain period of time as well as with different consumer panels (intermediate precision), and in tests carried out in different facilities (reproducibility). The methodology presented suitable accuracy, though slightly conservative, which may be desirable. The methodology was also shown to be robust as it allowed the reduction of panel members from 150 to 70 consumers. In this context, the methodology—which presented reliable results as well as high precision, accuracy, and robustness—was validated. Practical applications The need for showing the quality of sensory measurements is being increasingly recognized and required for the acceptance of new methodologies within the scientific community, given that unreliable analytical data may lead to dreadful decisions as well as long‐lasting financial losses. Results from the present work show that the data obtained through the hedonic threshold methodology/compromised acceptance threshold methodology met all criteria of the evaluated analytical indexes. Thus, one may conclude that this methodology has suitable precision (repeatability, intermediate precision, and reproducibility), accuracy, and robustness (by reducing consumer panel size) levels and is efficient in providing reliable results. Hence, this method can be applied for the intended purpose.