Free-choice profiling is a method for determining the quality of a thing by having a large number of subjects experience (view, taste, read, etc.) it and then allowing them to describe the thing in their own words, as opposed to posing them a set of "yes-no-maybe" questions. All of the descriptions are then analyzed to determine a "
consensus configuration" of qualities, usually through
Generalized Procrustes analysis
Generalized Procrustes analysis (GPA) is a method of statistical analysis that can be used to compare the shapes of objects, or the results of surveys, interviews, or panels. It was developed for analysing the results of free-choice profiling, a ...
(GPA) or
Multiple factor analysis Multiple factor analysis (MFA) is a Factorial experiment, factorial method devoted to the study of tables in which a group of individuals is described by a set of variables (quantitative and / or qualitative) structured in groups. It is a Multivaria ...
(MFA).
Free-choice profiling first emerged in 1984 but the original published model has been modified by researchers into variations that are more applicable to their particular use. For example, a technique employed by Jean Marc Sieffermann combined it with flash profiling, specifically using the free-profiling strategy of individual panelist vocabulary generation. The method allows panelists to freely develop their own descriptors and scales. A study show that free-choice profiling can provide more accurate sample maps compared with other methodologies such as project mapping and free sorting in the area of sensory characterization.
Dr Françoise Wemelsfelder is a well known scientist who has done extensive research in this field.
Notes and references
Sources
* ''Raw Hop Aroma Qualities by Trained Panel Free-Choice Profiling'', Gregory J. Stucky and Mina R. McDaniel
available on-line
Psychological testing
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