ABSTRACT
The goal of applied statistics is to draw some conclusion about a population based on the
information contained in a sample from that population. The types of conclusions fall into
two general categories: estimates and inferences. Furthermore, the size and manner in
which a sample is drawn from a population affects the precision and accuracy of the
resulting estimates and inferences. These issues are addressed in the experimental
design of a sensory study. This chapter presents the concepts and techniques of estimation,
inference, and experimental design as they relate to some of the more fundamental statisti-
cal methods used in sensory evaluation. The topics are presented with a minimum of
theoretical detail. Those interested in pursuing this area further are encouraged to read
Gacula and Singh (1984), O’Mahony (1986), and Smith (1988) or, for more theoretically
advanced presentations, Cochran and Cox (1957) and Snedecor and Cochran (1980).