This type of testing answers the question whether or not a difference exists between two or more products. It statistically indicates whether the products are sufficiently similar, or significantly different. All testing is done under controlled conditions including the preparation, presentation, and the environment. This ensures the only variable coming into play is the samples themselves.
Potential Applications
- Validate a new supplier of ingredients
- Ensure a cost savings or formula change is not perceptibly different from the original
- Determine if a perceived defect is noticeable
- Evaluate several prototypes against an established control
Types of Questions / Methods
- Triangle test
- Tetrad test
- Difference from Control (DFC) / Degree of Difference (DOD)
- A / not A
- Duo-trio
Benefits of this type of testing
- Statistically sound method to determine if overall difference exists between samples
- Simple methodology that is easy to understand and quick to execute
- Uses panelists who are proven differentiators to ensure rigorous evaluation of the samples
- Can find meaningful data about the samples with fewer panelists than consumer testing