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Description / Abstract:
This practice describes procedures to estimate Thurstonian
discriminal distances (that is, d' values) from data
obtained on two samples. Procedures are presented for four
forced-choice methods (that is, the triangle, the duo-trio, the
3-alternative-forced-choice (or 3-AFC) and the 2-AFC (also called
the directional difference test)), the A/Not-A method, the
Same-Different method and for data obtained from ordered category
scales. Procedures for estimating the variance of d' are
also presented. Thus, confidence intervals and statistical tests
can be calculated for d'.
The procedures in this document pertain only to the
unidimensional, equal-variance model. Other, more complicated
Thurstonian models, involving multiple dimensions and unequal
variances exist but are not addressed in this standard. The
procedure for forced-choice methods is limited to dichotomous
responses. The procedure for the A/Not-A method assumes equal
sample sizes for the two samples. The procedure for the
Same-Different method assumes equal sample sizes for the matched
and unmatched pairs of samples. For all methods, only unreplicated
tests are considered. (Tests in which each assessor performs
multiple (that is, replicated) evaluations require different
analyses.)
Thurstonian scaling is a method for measuring the perceptual
difference between two samples based on a probabilistic model for
categorical choice decision making. The magnitude of the perceived
difference, δ, can be estimated from the assessors' categorical
choices using the methods described in this practice (See Appendix
X3 for a more detailed description of Thurstonian
scaling).
In theory, the Thurstonian δ does not depend on the method used
to measure the difference between two samples. As such, δ provides
a common scale of measure for comparing samples measured under a
variety of test conditions. For example, Thurstonian scaling can be
used to compare products measured under different test conditions,
to compare panels (trained, consumer or both) that have evaluated
the same samples (using the same or different test methods) and to
compare test methods on their ability to discriminate samples that
exhibit a fixed sensory difference.
This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations
and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.