The evolution of a model: A review of Thurstonian and conditional stimulus effects on difference testing

H. S. Lee, M. O'Mahony

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

47 Scopus citations

Abstract

The application of Thurstonian modeling to difference tests is reviewed and explained non-mathematically. How experimental variables can affect the variance of perceptual distributions and reduce discriminability (d′ values) is described. The tendency of triangle and 3-AFC tests with one stronger stimulus and two weaker stimuli to be more sensitive than triads with one weaker and two stronger stimuli, is explained using the idea of conditional stimuli. From this, the development of sequential sensitivity analysis and the four distribution Thurstonian model is described. These ideas are then developed further to produce a potential eight distribution conditional stimulus model, to account for the effects of various interstimulus rinses and cognitive contrast. Also, the physical and physiological properties of the salt taste detection system, used in the development of these models, are outlined.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)369-383
Number of pages15
JournalFood Quality and Preference
Volume18
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2007

Keywords

  • Cognitive contrasts
  • Conditional stimuli
  • d′
  • Difference tests
  • Sequential Sensitivity Analysis
  • Supra- and sub-adapting NaCl tastes
  • Thurstonian modeling
  • Variance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The evolution of a model: A review of Thurstonian and conditional stimulus effects on difference testing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this