Introduction
The Temporal Check All That Apply (TCATA) method builds upon the traditional CATA (Check All That Apply) question by introducing a dynamic element. It enables continuous selection and deselection of attributes based on their relevance to describing the sample. The format of the TCATA question aligns with that of a conventional CATA question. Panellists are instructed to identify and consistently update the attributes that are relevant to the sample in each moment, effectively monitoring the evolving sensations in the sample over time. Panellists have the flexibility to mark attributes whenever they are applicable and unmark attributes (or leave them unchecked) when they are not relevant. This approach allows assessors to select multiple attributes simultaneously, facilitating the description of sensations that may occur either sequentially or simultaneously.
Template Description
The template starts with a screen giving instructions to panellists. In the design section, the first screen has instructions, followed by a question where participants can start the TCATA task.
Panellists are presented with a list of attributes that can be selected or deselected once they click the "Start" button. Upon completing the evaluation, panellists can select "Stop" to conclude the evaluation. In the standard settings of the TCATA question type, customization of the default options for the panellists is possible. To delete existing attribute options, you can select the bin icon. For adding more attributes you can type the attribute name and select the plus icon. The attribute word on the left side is what panellists see, while the one on the right side is the data-stored value. The word shown to panellists can be the same as the word stored in the value. Bulk addition of attributes is possible by selecting the list icon, pasting all attribute names, and clicking "Add item." For including both attribute names and values in bulk, type "Attribute Name | Attribute Value" (e.g., "Sweetness | sweetness").
Within the Advanced Settings of the TCATA question type, you can choose to set up different options.
- Orientation: Display the attributes horizontally, vertically or as a circle.
- Auto deselect: When this feature is enabled, panellists are relieved from the manual task of deselecting an attribute after selecting it; instead, the system will automatically perform the deselection after the duration specified in the "Auto deselect timer".
- Auto deselect timer: The number of seconds after an attribute is automatically deselected if the "Auto deselect" functionality is enabled.
- Dynamic Feedback: This setting is designed to assist panelists by providing a visual reminder of their previous selections. When enabled, the system highlights selected options with a glowing effect, ensuring panelists can quickly identify what has been selected for a while and review the sensation. Enabling this displays two further settings linked to it:
- Feedback Start Time: System starts highlighting the attributes selected after the specified duration is met.
- Feedback Max time: Maximum highlighting intensity level is reached after the specified duration is met.
Please note that Auto deselect option cannot be used simultaneously with the Dynamic Feedback option.
- Time limit: When enabled, you have the option to establish a maximum duration for the evaluation process. In the "Show Timer" fields, you can display to panelists the allotted time for their assessment. In the "Max number of" section, you can specify the maximum duration allowed for the evaluation.
- Timer Countdown: Enable a countdown timer. Disabling this option will show a counter.
In the time settings, you can decide to display predefined messages to panellists at a specified time. You have the flexibility to display a maximum of 10 messages.
In the end screen, the template incorporates a thank-you message, providing an opportunity for you to personalise a final message for the panellists.
In the design settings, you can check the way in which each panellist will receive the samples, with each set having a different presentation order for an individual panellist. In this template, by default three samples are presented in a monadic sequential, implying that all questions in the design section will be asked for each sample consecutively.
If you wish to include additional samples, you can achieve this by navigating to Design > Generate Design and modifying the number of samples. Subsequently, click on Generate Design to implement the changes.
Raw Data Representation
The raw data will be presented, where each row corresponds to a specific panellist and the respective sample presented to the panellist. The TCATA column will store the overall duration of the evaluation, while each attribute will have a dedicated column indicating the time interval during which the attribute was selected.
References
- Castura, J. C., Antúnez, L., Giménez, A., & Ares, G. (2016). Temporal Check-All-That-Apply (TCATA): A novel dynamic method for characterizing products. Food Quality and Preference, 47, 79-90.