Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


Guttman Thesis Nov 23.pdf (1.74 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The use of immersive technologies and threshold detection to determine the influence of context and matrix effects on perception of ethanol in beer

Guttman, Gretchen A
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1448285791

Abstract Details

2015, Master of Science, Ohio State University, Food Science and Technology.
Despite its’ global popularity, there is surprisingly little research involving the perception of ethanol. The sensitivity to ethanol-evoked sensations and their perceived characteristics however, has been found to be dependent on the type of solution in which it is tested. Apart from the complexity of the matrix, it additionally has been found that environment has the ability to influence panelists’ acceptability and evaluation of foods and beverages. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of matrix and environmental context on threshold perception of ethanol. In this research, panelists participated in 3 tests. In test 1, we sought to determine the detection threshold of ethanol in aqueous solutions and relate that to consumption frequency. In test 2, we studied the impact of matrix on ethanol threshold by evaluating samples of 5.0% beer spiked with increasing concentrations of ethanol. Lastly, in test 3, we studied the effect of context on the perception of ethanol by evaluating the detection threshold in beer in an immersive sensory laboratory depicting a virtual bar. In all three studies, thresholds were assessed using the Ascending Method of Limits. Samples consisted of one different sample, spiked with 200-proof food grade ethanol and two control samples containing solely deionized water (test 1) or unadulterated beer (test 2 and 3). The concentrations ranged from 0.024% to 7.6% ethanol in test 1 and 0.96% to 9.6% ethanol in tests 2 and 3. The average detection threshold for ethanol in a simple aqueous solution during test 1 was 1.04%±1.1% ABV. Non-parametric correlation analysis (Spearman’s rho) additionally determined there was no association (¿=0.101, p=0.493) between the amount of ethanol that panelists consumed per week and their threshold values. The average threshold found in test 2, including the 5.0% ABV beer matrix was 11.7%± 4.3% ABV, indicating a net increase of 6.7% ethanol needed for a just-noticeable difference (JND). Finally, the impact of environmental context on ethanol JND thresholds was negligible. Although the threshold value in the immersive lab (12.5%±4.0% ABV) was higher than the threshold value in the traditional sensory booth (test 2) the difference was not significant (p=0.305). Additionally, the distracting environment did not influence the time required to complete the task as panelists spent significantly more time, on average, in the traditional setting as well as in the virtual bar. Our results suggest that matrix effects influence the threshold perception of ethanol presumably by masking sensory cues important for the detection of this compound. However, when the testing scenario is manipulated to provide relevant environmental context associated with the consumption of beer, tasks such as difference testing that require a higher cognitive effort, are performed at a level of sensitivity consistent with that observed in traditional testing environments, indicating that panelists are able to ignore distracting features in their surroundings.
Chris Simons, Dr. (Advisor)
Yael Vodovotz, Dr. (Committee Member)
Sheryl Barringer, Dr. (Committee Member)
91 p.
Food Science

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Guttman, G. A. (2015). The use of immersive technologies and threshold detection to determine the influence of context and matrix effects on perception of ethanol in beer [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1448285791

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Guttman, Gretchen. The use of immersive technologies and threshold detection to determine the influence of context and matrix effects on perception of ethanol in beer. 2015. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1448285791.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Guttman, Gretchen. "The use of immersive technologies and threshold detection to determine the influence of context and matrix effects on perception of ethanol in beer." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1448285791

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1448285791
497
© 2015, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.