Threshold

Threshold

Introduction

The Threshold Template is a valuable tool for training panellists. This method accommodates tests spanning taste, odor, texture, and color stimuli. Within each test, candidates will be presented with different samples exhibiting varying intensities of the targeted property, presented in a randomized sequence. Panellists are instructed to arrange these samples in ascending order of intensity. 

Template Description

The template starts with a welcoming screen where instructions about the test can be provided. In the design section, the first screen has the ranking question type in which panellists can rank the samples on intensity. The second screen provides the panellist with their overall score. 

The ranking with sample question type is utilized on the initial screen, allowing for the use of samples from the design. Adjustments to the number of samples can be made within the design generator on the design tab. In the standard settings of the question type, the labels on the right and left can be customized to suit your preferences.
Advanced settings for the ranking question include a pre-filled score table. When "Use Score" is enabled, answers are saved using a Score Table. This table assigns scores for correct and incorrect positions of products or items:
  1. "Score for correct position": The awarded score for placing a product in the correct position.
  2. "Score error deduction": The score deducted for each position that differs from the correct one.
Explanation on Scoring Tables:
The system uses this table when "Use Score" is activated. It assigns scores rather than storing the order of values. An example of a scoring table:
1,2,3,4,5=50
1,2,4,3,5=30
1,3,2,4,5=30
1,4,3,2,5=30
2,1,3,4,5=30
…
In this example, 50 points are awarded when panelists place the objects in the order 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. If a combination is not defined in the table, the score will be 0. Custom score tables can be added as needed.
In the end screen, the template incorporates a “thank you” message, providing an opportunity for you to personalize 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, five samples are presented simultaneously, implying that all samples will be evaluated together and the questions will only be answered once by the panellist. If you wish to include or exclude samples, you can achieve this by navigating to Design > Generate Design and modifying the number of samples. The samples in this questionnaire are already labeled, with "Product 1" representing the sample with the lowest concentration, and "Sample 5" being the one with the highest concentration. You can modify the description of the products by navigating to Design > Products. 

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 Q1 column will indicate the overall score the panellist received ranking the samples. The score range in this template is set to 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50. The info column indicates the position to which the product was ranked. 

References

  1. ISO 8586-1:1993 - 4.4.5.2

    • Related Articles

    • Direct Feedback

      Introduction This template is designed for training panellists. Within this template, you can preset the mean score and standard deviation for each attribute queried. Panelists will review the list of attributes and then conduct their evaluation. ...

    • Panel Management

      Introduction The Panel Functionality empowers users to send emails or notifications to panellists for diverse objectives, such as inviting them to schedule appointments, directly fill in questionnaires, or deliver general messages. Additionally, ...

    • Panel Scheduling in EyeQuestion 5

      Introduction One of the more challenging tasks in conducting sensory and consumer research is the process of manually checking the availability of your panellists participation by calling or emailing them. This traditional approach is not ideal as it ...

    • How to Manage Panellists Unsubscription

      Introduction In this article we will explain more about how you can manage panellist unsubscriptions. Manage Unsubscribes Under the panel management tab you can see various options, including "Manage Unsubscribes". Under the manage unsubscribes tab ...

    • How to Import or Update Panellists in Bulk

      Import in Bulk Panellists 1. Go to Panel Management and click on ''Import Panellists'' (The option can be used to create new panellists, but also to update existing panellist.) 2. After clicking on import panellists you will land on following page ...