Stimulus range influences intensity and hedonic ratings of flavour

Five concentrations of an artificial orange drink were presented for sensory evaluation in three overlapping concentration ranges. Three sensory panels, each of 30 subjects, rated the concentrations for intensity of flavour (intensity scale), relation to ideal flavour intensity (ideal-point scale), and pleasantness (hedonic scale). Except for the two extreme concentrations, neither of which was presented in more than one range, in all three response tasks the mean rating for a given concentration varied with the concentration range in which it was presented. However, the mean ratings showed good correspondence across response tasks (e.g. the concentration perceived as "moderately sweet" on the intensity scale was perceived as "just right" on the ideal-point scale and of maximal pleasantness on the hedonic scale), suggesting a link between the intensity and hedonic dimensions of sensory experience.