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 statistical 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).
