ASTM E3009-15
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Tetrad Test
Standard Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Tetrad Test
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The test method is effective for the following test objectives:
5.1.1 To determine whether a perceptible difference results or a perceptible difference does not result, for example, when a change is made in ingredients, processing, packaging, handling, or storage; or
5.1.2 To select, train, and monitor assessors.
5.2 The test method itself does not change whether the purpose of the test is to determine that two products are perceptibly different versus that the products are not perceptibly different. Only the selected values of δ, α, and β change. If the objective of the test is to determine if the two products are sufficiently similar to be used interchangeably, then the value selected for β is typically smaller than the value selected for α and the value of δ is selected to define “sufficiently similar.”
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining whether a perceptible sensory difference exists between samples of two products or to estimate the magnitude of the perceptible difference.
1.2 This test method applies whether a difference may exist in a single sensory attribute or in several.
1.3 This test method is applicable when the nature of the difference between the samples is unknown. The attribute(s) responsible for the difference are not identified.
1.4 The tetrad test is more efficient statistically than the triangle test (Test Method E1885) or the duo-trio test (Test Method E2610).
1.5 The tetrad method involves the evaluation of four samples. When the products being tested cause excessive sensory fatigue, carryover, or adaptation, methods that involve the evaluation of fewer samples (same-different, triangle test, etc.) may be preferred.
1.6 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.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: E3009 − 15
StandardTest Method for
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Sensory Analysis—Tetrad Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3009; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E2610 Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Duo-Trio Test
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2.2 ISO Standards:
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining
ISO 4120 Sensory Analysis – Methodology – Triangle Test
whether a perceptible sensory difference exists between
ISO 10399 Sensory Analysis – Methodology – Duo-Trio
samples of two products or to estimate the magnitude of the
Test
perceptible difference.
1.2 This test method applies whether a difference may exist
3. Terminology
in a single sensory attribute or in several.
3.1 Definitions—For definition of terms relating to sensory
1.3 This test method is applicable when the nature of the
analysis, see Terminology E253, and for terms relating to
difference between the samples is unknown. The attribute(s) statistics, see Terminology E456.
responsible for the difference are not identified.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 The tetrad test is more efficient statistically than the 3.2.1 α (alpha) risk—probability of concluding that a per-
triangle test (Test Method E1885) or the duo-trio test (Test
ceptible difference exists when, in reality, one does not.
Method E2610). 3.2.1.1 Discussion—Also known as Type I Error or signifi-
cance level.
1.5 The tetrad method involves the evaluation of four
3.2.2 β (beta) risk—probability of concluding that no per-
samples. When the products being tested cause excessive
sensory fatigue, carryover, or adaptation, methods that involve ceptible difference exists when, in reality, one does.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Also known as Type II Error.
the evaluation of fewer samples (same-different, triangle test,
etc.) may be preferred.
3.2.3 δ—Thurstonian measure of sensory difference (effect
size) relative to perceptual noise (standard deviation) (see
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Practice E2262).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.4 product—material to be evaluated.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.5 sample—unit of product prepared, presented, and
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
evaluated in the test.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.6 sensitivity—general term used to summarize the per-
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formance characteristics of the test; the sensitivity of the test is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
rigorously defined, in statistical terms, by the values selected
E253 Terminology Relating to Sensory Evaluation of Mate-
for α, β, and δ.
rials and Products
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
4. Summary of Test Method
E1871 Guide for Serving Protocol for Sensory Evaluation of
4.1 Clearly define the test objective in writing.
Foods and Beverages
E1885 Test Method for Sensory Analysis—Triangle Test
4.2 Choose the number of assessors based on the level of
E2262 Practice for Estimating Thurstonian Discriminal Dis-
sensitivity desired for the test. The sensitivity of the test is, in
tances
part, a function of two competing risks: the risk of declaring
the samples different when they are not (that is, α-risk) and the
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This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee E18 on Sensory
risk of not declaring the samples different when they are (that
Evaluation and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E18.04 on Fundamen-
is, β-risk).Acceptable values of α and β vary depending on the
tals of Sensory.
test objective and should be determined before the test (see for
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published June 2015. DOI: 10.1520/
E3009-15. example Appendix X1).
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
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Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
the ASTM website. la Voie-Creuse, CP 56, CH-1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E3009 − 15
4.3 Each assessor receives four coded samples where two time between the exposure to the training samples and the
samplesareofoneproductandtheothertwosamplesareofthe actual tetrad test to avoid carryover.
other product being tested. The assessors are inst
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