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Rebecca Bleibaum
This course will introduce the sensory evaluation laboratory and will teach you best practices for testing and documentation. We'll explore how various factors, especially the testing environment, can influence sensory experiments. Our main focus will be on two specific sensory tests: duo-trio discrimination and 3-product consumer testing. Through case studies, we’ll examine how these tests can address product challenges. For both test types, we’ll dive into how to develop an appropriate hypothesis, select products, execute a sensory test, decode collected data, and interpret the test results. Additionally, you’ll learn how to identify and select core and opportunity target groups of consumers. Each module in this course builds towards your final project where you will design a sensory test to conduct your own research experiment.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/oj4449/sensory
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What's inside
Syllabus
Labs and Procedures
Welcome to the last course in the Foundations of Sensory Science series! In this course, we will introduce the sensory evaluation laboratory and teach you how to conduct two types of research experiments: a discrimination test and a 3-product consumer test. In this module, you will learn about errors in testing and ways to minimize those errors to ensure valid and reliable sensory data. You will review principles for recruiting qualified assessors for each test type and discuss ways to instruct assessors and the importance of documenting test instructions. This course will describe best practices testing procedures and ways that a sensory experiment can be influenced, especially the test environment. Let’s get started!
Read more
Syllabus
Labs and Procedures
Welcome to the last course in the Foundations of Sensory Science series! In this course, we will introduce the sensory evaluation laboratory and teach you how to conduct two types of research experiments: a discrimination test and a 3-product consumer test. In this module, you will learn about errors in testing and ways to minimize those errors to ensure valid and reliable sensory data. You will review principles for recruiting qualified assessors for each test type and discuss ways to instruct assessors and the importance of documenting test instructions. This course will describe best practices testing procedures and ways that a sensory experiment can be influenced, especially the test environment. Let’s get started!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Helps learners learn how to design, conduct, and analyze sensory tests, which is valuable for careers in food science and product development
Taught by seasoned instructors who are recognized for their research in the field of sensory science
Develops skills in sensory evaluation, which are crucial for product development
Taught by experienced instructors with a strong understanding of sensory science
Examines laboratory practices and the importance of testing environments, providing a strong foundation for sensory evaluation
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Reviews summary
Practical sensory test design & analysis
According to learners, "Sensory Science: Conducting Tests" provides a strong foundation for designing and interpreting results from essential sensory experiments like duo-trio discrimination and 3-product consumer tests. Students consistently highlight the clear explanations, real-world case studies, and the course's focus on best practices for testing and documentation. While the final project is valued for applying principles, some reviewers note that the reliance on paper/pencil activities may limit direct hands-on lab experience or practical software application, particularly for more advanced professionals seeking hands-on lab skills. This course is generally considered highly relevant for product development and quality control roles.
Project allows direct application of learned sensory test design.
"The final project really tied everything together, allowing me to apply what I learned immediately."
"I valued the chance to design my own sensory test and conduct a research experiment, which reinforced the concepts."
"The project helped me understand how to develop appropriate testing materials and report key findings."
Highly suitable for those new to sensory science concepts.
"As someone new to sensory science, this course was perfect."
"It's a great stepping stone into the field, providing essential foundational knowledge."
"This course provided a fantastic foundation for understanding sensory evaluation basics."
Content is presented clearly and logically, making it easy to follow.
"The lectures were clear, but I wished there were more hands-on components..."
"It broke down complex topics into manageable modules."
"A very well-structured course, easy to understand the concepts presented."
Comprehensive instruction on key discrimination and consumer tests.
"The detailed explanations of duo-trio and 3-product consumer testing were invaluable."
"A very well-structured course, particularly strong on the discrimination and consumer testing methodologies."
"I gained a good overview of sensory evaluation principles and specific tests from this course."
Provides directly applicable insights for professionals.
"I immediately applied the knowledge on identifying target groups at my company."
"This course provided a fantastic foundation in conducting sensory tests... allowing me to apply what I learned immediately."
"Absolutely vital course for anyone working in product R&D."
Strong theoretical foundation but less direct lab execution or software use.
"I wished there were more hands-on components beyond the paper/pencil exercises."
"While it covers the principles of testing thoroughly, I was hoping for more practical tips for actual lab execution or software usage."
"The lack of real-world data analysis tools or actual lab experience was disappointing for me."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests with these
activities:
Review the basics of sensory science
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of sensory science will help you to prepare for the course and to better understand the material.
Browse courses on
Sensory Science
Show steps
-
Review your notes from previous courses
-
Read articles and books on sensory science
Organize your notes and materials
Show steps
Organizing your notes and materials will help you to stay on top of the course material and to prepare for exams.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
-
Gather your notes and materials
-
Sort your notes and materials by topic
-
Create a study schedule
Review basics of statistics and probability theory
Show steps
Reviewing these foundational topics will help you better understand the statistical methods used in sensory science.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Review the concepts of probability and statistics
-
Practice solving probability and statistics problems
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Conduct discrimination tests
Show steps
Practicing discrimination tests will help you develop the skills you need to conduct sensory research.
Browse courses on
Discrimination Testing
Show steps
-
Select a pair of products for testing
-
Recruit participants for the test
-
Conduct the test and collect data
-
Analyze the data and interpret the results
Discuss sensory science topics with peers
Show steps
Discussing sensory science topics with peers will help you to learn from others and to develop your own understanding of the field.
Browse courses on
Sensory Science
Show steps
-
Find a study partner or group
-
Choose a topic to discuss
-
Prepare for your discussion
-
Participate in the discussion
Conduct consumer product tests
Show steps
Practicing consumer product tests will help you develop the skills you need to conduct sensory research.
Show steps
-
Select a product for testing
-
Recruit participants for the test
-
Conduct the test and collect data
-
Analyze the data and interpret the results
Write a research proposal
Show steps
Writing a research proposal will help you develop the skills you need to design and conduct sensory research.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
-
Identify a research problem
-
Develop a research hypothesis
-
Design a research study
-
Write a research proposal
Review the basics of sensory science
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of sensory science will help you to prepare for the course and to better understand the material.
Browse courses on
Sensory Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from previous courses
- Read articles and books on sensory science
Organize your notes and materials
Show steps
Organizing your notes and materials will help you to stay on top of the course material and to prepare for exams.
Browse courses on
Note-Taking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather your notes and materials
- Sort your notes and materials by topic
- Create a study schedule
Review basics of statistics and probability theory
Show steps
Reviewing these foundational topics will help you better understand the statistical methods used in sensory science.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the concepts of probability and statistics
- Practice solving probability and statistics problems
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Conduct discrimination tests
Show steps
Practicing discrimination tests will help you develop the skills you need to conduct sensory research.
Browse courses on
Discrimination Testing
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a pair of products for testing
- Recruit participants for the test
- Conduct the test and collect data
- Analyze the data and interpret the results
Discuss sensory science topics with peers
Show steps
Discussing sensory science topics with peers will help you to learn from others and to develop your own understanding of the field.
Browse courses on
Sensory Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study partner or group
- Choose a topic to discuss
- Prepare for your discussion
- Participate in the discussion
Conduct consumer product tests
Show steps
Practicing consumer product tests will help you develop the skills you need to conduct sensory research.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a product for testing
- Recruit participants for the test
- Conduct the test and collect data
- Analyze the data and interpret the results
Write a research proposal
Show steps
Writing a research proposal will help you develop the skills you need to design and conduct sensory research.
Browse courses on
Research Proposal
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a research problem
- Develop a research hypothesis
- Design a research study
- Write a research proposal
Career center
Learners who complete Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sensory Scientist
Sensory Scientist
Sensory Scientists design and conduct sensory tests to evaluate the sensory properties of products, and they may use statistical software to analyze the results. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which is essential for this role.
Market Researcher
Market Researcher
Market Researchers gather and analyze data about consumers and markets, and they may use sensory testing to gather feedback from customers on new products or services. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Food Scientist
Food Scientist
Food Scientists develop and improve food products, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the sensory properties of food products. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Product Manager
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for the development and launch of new products, and they may use sensory testing to gather feedback from customers on new product ideas. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Consumer Insights Analyst
Consumer Insights Analyst
Consumer Insights Analysts gather and analyze data about consumers and markets, and they may use sensory testing to gather feedback from customers on new products or services. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns, and they may use sensory testing to gather feedback from customers on new products or services. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researcher
User Experience Researchers evaluate the user experience of products and services, and they may use sensory testing to gather feedback from users on new products or services. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Beverage Developer
Beverage Developer
Beverage Developers develop and improve beverages, such as beer, wine, and soft drinks, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the sensory properties of beverages. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Flavorist
Flavorist
Flavorists create and develop flavors for food and beverages, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the sensory properties of flavors. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Fragrance Developer
Fragrance Developer
Fragrance Developers create and develop fragrances for perfumes, cosmetics, and other products, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the sensory properties of fragrances. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Research and Development Scientist
Research and Development Scientist
Research and Development Scientists develop and improve products and processes, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the sensory properties of products. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts take raw datasets and turn them into useful information, and they may use statistical software to perform A/B testing, which involves comparing two versions of a product or service to see which one performs better. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers ensure that products meet quality standards, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the sensory properties of products. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Sales Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and manage sales teams, and they may use sensory testing to gather feedback from customers on new products or services. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create and develop technical documentation, such as instruction manuals and user guides, and they may use sensory testing to evaluate the usability of products. Taking this course in Sensory Science: Conducting Tests will help you develop the skills necessary to conduct these tests and analyze the results, which can be valuable in this role.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/oj4449/sensory
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sensory Science: Conducting Tests.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sensory evaluation techniques, including discrimination testing and consumer testing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about sensory science.
Offers a comprehensive overview of sensory evaluation principles, including information on discrimination and consumer testing, which are covered in this course.
This comprehensive book covers all aspects of sensory evaluation, from basic principles to advanced techniques. It would be a valuable reference for anyone interested in learning more about sensory science.
Provides a practical guide to sensory methods for food and beverage quality control. It covers the entire sensory evaluation process, from planning and design to data analysis and interpretation.
Although this book primarily focuses on sensory analysis of foods, it provides a good foundation for understanding sensory testing principles and techniques.
Presents a comprehensive overview of food sensory science and technology. It covers topics such as sensory testing methods, sensory perception, and the application of sensory science to food product development.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of wine. It covers a wide range of topics, including grape growing, winemaking, and wine sensory science.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychology of food. It covers a wide range of topics, including the role of sensory perception, cognition, and emotion in food choice and consumption.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/oj4449/sensory
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2-3 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of California, Davis
Instructor
Rebecca Bleibaum
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Essentials of Sensory Science. It's comprised of four courses:
- Sensory Science: The Senses
- Sensory Science: Measuring the Senses
- Sensory Science: Conducting Tests (viewing)
- Introduction to Sensory Science
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