Answer to Question 1
Two samples are presented in the paired comparison test, so the chance of guessing correctly is 1 in 2, or fifty percent. In the triangle test, three simultaneous samples are offered. An analyst can guess correctly 1 out of 3 guesses, or about thirty three percent of the time. A ranking test is more complex. Correct guesses depend on the number of samples presented. For example, if there are 3 samples, a panelist could guess correctly 1 out of 3 times for each of the 3 samples. So, 1/3 1/3 1/3 = 1/27.
Answer to Question 2
A ranking test is a test in which more than two samples are presented and compared by ranking them from lowest to highest for the intensity of a specific characteristic (e.g. flavor, odor, color). A ranking test is thorough and simple. Ranking tests give a taste panel's rating of a food's specific quality. A panelist ranks a food as first, second, third, etc. for a specific characteristic so there is no confusion in the response. Each food is individually analyzed for its characteristics. However, ranking tests can be monotonous. Panelists may experience taste fatigue after ranking a large number of foods.
An example of an EHR screen used to order a laboratory test.
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