Effects and influences of motivation on trained panelists

Trained panelist motivation is an important factor to consider in sensory evaluation. While psychology, education and sport science fields have researched motivation extensively, knowledge about panelist motivation within sensory science is limited. However, findings from existing research in these other areas can be applied.This research investigated the factors that affect and influence panelists’ motivation. The first survey (n = 74) revealed that extra income and a general interest in food were the key drivers in inspiring people to become panelists, whilst enjoyment in being a panelist, interest in food and extra income were key drivers for people to remain panelists. In a second survey (n = 108), the intrinsic motivation of panelists from four countries was assessed. External panels were found to be more intrinsically motivated than internal panels. The experience level of the panelists also plays a role in their intrinsic motivation.