What type of data is gathered in a free-choice profiling method?

In the free-choice profiling method, the data gathered consists of subjective descriptions of sensory attributes as provided by the panelists. This method allows trained tasters to express their perceptions freely, utilizing their own terminology to describe the sensory characteristics of products.

This approach is particularly valuable because it captures a wide range of individual sensory experiences, enabling researchers to identify attributes that may be important but are not captured in more structured methodologies. By allowing panelists to use their own words and descriptors, the free-choice profiling provides a more nuanced understanding of sensory experiences that reflect personal interpretations, which might vary from person to person.

In contrast, standardized measurements of aroma intensity focus on specific scales and metrics that do not allow for personal expression. Quantitative ratings of product quality involve numerical assessments that may not encompass the variety of sensory experiences. Predefined categories of sensory attributes limit panelists to a narrow set of descriptors, which may overlook important sensory nuances that free-choice profiling aims to capture.