A comparison of serial monadic and attribute-by-attribute descriptive analysis protocols for trained judges

Trained judges were required to perform a descriptive analysis of a lemon flavored beverage, using a serial monadic protocol and an attribute-by-attribute protocol. They had received sufficient training to establish three intensity exemplars for each attribute in the beverage. They were tested until they reached criterion performance for each protocol. Criterion performance required judges to rate all attributes according to the rank order of their physical strengths. Judges attained ‘criterion’ performance more rapidly using the serial monadic protocol. The results contrast with those of another study where untrained judges reached criterion performance more rapidly with the attribute-by-attribute protocol.