Which test, duo-trio or triangulation, has better statistical efficiency?

The triangulation test is recognized for its statistical efficiency compared to the duo-trio test. In a triangulation test, participants are presented with three samples, two of which are identical and one that is different. This design allows researchers to gather more information from each participant's response, enhancing the ability to detect differences between samples with fewer participants compared to the duo-trio method, which involves only two comparisons with a reference sample. As a result, the triangulation test often yields a higher statistical power, making it more efficient in analyzing sensory data.

The increased efficiency stems from the larger number of choices presented to participants, leading to better decision-making opportunities. While the duo-trio test provides valid results, it typically requires more participants to achieve similar levels of power as the triangulation test, which is why it is considered less statistically efficient.