Validation of Optimized Descriptive Profile (ODP) technique: Accuracy, precision and robustness

The Optimized Descriptive Profile is a fast sensory description method, which was recently proposed and presents high performance. The technique proposes a reduction in time necessary for the sensory test as well as a quantitative evaluation of the sensory attributes, highlighted among fast descriptive techniques. This study sought to validate this methodology, evaluating the criteria of accuracy, precision (repeatability and reproducibility) and robustness. Accuracy of the data generated by the ODP was measured by comparison with the reference method, the Conventional Profile, considering different food matrices. Precision was measured at the panel (repeatability) and interlaboratory levels (reproducibility). Robustness assessed the sensitivity of the method with regard to a reduced number of judges on the panel. The ODP methodology met the established criteria, presenting a degree of proximity with the reference methodology exceeding 95%. In assessing the repeatability of measurements and considering three repetitions of assessments by the same panel, the ODP was statistically equal among repetitions and presented a degree of proximity greater than 99%. The method indicated data reproducibility when performed in different laboratories, presenting a perfect combination among the sensory profiles. The ODP showed robustness when reducing the number of panelists, where smaller panels presented an even smaller random variation than the complete panel. The ODP was successfully validated and presented measures of validation with a high degree of certainty considering the specific dataset.