2.6. Panelists
The perfume samples were evaluated using the triangle test pro-
cedure [11,13]. In the triangle test, assessors are presented with a
set of three coded samples, two of which are the same and the third
is different. The sets of samples are presented in each of the six pos-
sible orders; this experimental design minimises any possible order
and carryover effects.
Twenty trained assessors are used for each test, ten receiving
“test” as the different sample and ten receiving “control” as the
different sample. After testing the three samples in the designated
order, each assessor is asked to select the different sample and to
describe the difference(s) perceived.
The test was carried out in a testing room. Each assessor was
required to undertake the test in an individual booth. The room
was positively pressurised to minimise the entrance of external
odours. The panel used coffee beans as smell cleanser between the
samples.