Which of the following is an example of a non-parametric test used in sensory evaluation?

The Wilcoxon signed-rank test is a non-parametric test that is commonly used in sensory evaluation. This test is particularly useful when dealing with paired samples or matched observations, allowing researchers to assess whether there is a significant difference between two related groups.

Unlike parametric tests, which assume that the data follows a specific distribution (often a normal distribution), non-parametric tests do not make such assumptions. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test evaluates the ranks of differences between paired observations instead of the actual data values, making it robust in situations where the sample size is small or when the data does not meet the assumptions required for parametric tests.

For sensory evaluation, where subjective measurements and ratings may not adhere to normality, this test can provide reliable insights into consumer preferences and perceptions. Its ability to analyze ordinal data further affirms its role as a valuable tool in this field.