Problems in Sensory Evaluation Viewed from a Quality Engineering Standpoint

－A Case Study of Sensory Evaluation of Vacuum Cleaner Weight－

Abstract

Sensory evaluation, in which the human senses are used as measuring instruments,is beset with problems related to the panel of human judges. A major problem concerns the discriminatory ability of the panel. One possible approach to screening panels for their discriminatory ability is to use the signal-to-noise ratio. In 1987, shortly after encountering quality engineering, the author used the signal-to-noise ratio to study the ability to discriminate vacuum cleaner weight, but from the quality engineering standpoint, this study was inadequate in many regards. The research data obtained in 1987 were reviewed on the basis of a better understanding of quality engineering, This paper summarizes a possible research strategy.