Build: Immediate Feedback

Build: Immediate Feedback

Overview

Compusense® FCM® (Feedback Calibration Method) is a proven computerized training method developed by Compusense Inc. to train descriptive sensory panelists with immediate feedback to their responses. Panelists, panel leaders, and businesses benefit from using FCM.

FCM uses Targets and Ranges to produce the immediate feedback, which encourages panelist calibration and attribute learning.

When panelists evaluate samples on a Line Scale or Category scale, immediate feedback shows whether their selection is on target, in the range, or out of range for the attribute. When panelists evaluate with the Choose 1 question, immediate feedback shows whether their selection is correct for that question.

FCM allows panelists to review right then and there how they scored and what the expected range or score for an attribute and question was. This allows them to recalibrate as necessary while the sample is still in front of them, and learn at a faster pace than if they were to train without immediate feedback.

You are able, but not required, to set the targets and ranges for every compatible attribute and sample. For example, the first training session might require targets and ranges to be set for all samples and all attributes, but as the training progresses, the number of attributes with targets and ranges set for samples should decrease.


When training panelists, it is recommended to serve samples in the same (fixed) order for all panelist.



Question Compatibility

The FCM feature is compatible with the following question types:
  1. Line scale
  2. Category
  3. Choose 1
Other question types in Standard tests and other test types are not compatible with this feature. Numeric question type is compatible with targets and ranges for reporting purposes only.
FCM is also not compatible with the Move forward and back through section feature.

You can use targets and ranges to monitor your newly trained panelists' progress in your reports over time without showing them the feedback during the evaluation.



How Does The FCM Work?

To show the immediate feedback to panelists or to monitor panelist accuracy over time without showing them the feedback, you need to set the targets and ranges for the samples and attributes/questions that you wish to provide feedback on or monitor accuracy progress over time on.

For example:
  1. On a 100-point Line Scale for Saltiness for sample A, you want panelists to score in the range from 47 to 53, with the target being 50. As such, you would set the low limit of the range to 47, the high limit of the range to 53, and the target to 50.
  1. On a 9-point Category scale for Sourness for sample B, you want panelists to score in the range from 3 to 5 with the target being 4. From this, you would set the low limit of the range to 3, the high limit of the range to 5, and the target to 4.

  2. In a flavour matching training session, you want panelists to match the sample in front of them to the correct flavour in the list of different flavours on the screen. You would use a Choose 1 question type for this training exercise and in the Training & feedback set the correct answers for each sample.


What Will Panelists See

Before diving into setting up immediate feedback using FCM, you might want to know what the panelist experience will be so you can have a full picture of the process.


Guidelines For Implementing FCM

If you are wondering "How do I implement the FCM method for my panel training initiative?" or "How do I determine what to set the targets and ranges to!?", visit our guidelines page to find answers to those questions.

Set The Test Up

OK, all the theory is done. Let's put it all to practice.

First set your test up as you normally would. After that you will work on setting up targets and ranges for scale attributes, or correct responses for Choose 1 questions, to provide adequate feedback to panelists. If you attempt to set the targets and ranges or correct responses when there are no samples and compatible questions added, you will not be able to do that.
  1. Create a Standard test from a template or from the Create a new test menu.

  2. Review the Overview tab and update as needed.

  3. Review the Samples & design tab and update as needed.

  4. In the Build tab, add the questions you need. If you would like to use the FCM feature, please ensure that you add at least one of the compatible question types described in the previous section. If you are using the Choose 1 question type for attribute matching, consider using the choice randomization for bias elimination.

  5. Review the Panelists tab and update as needed.

  6. Review all the tabs in the Logistics tab and update as needed.

  7. At this point you are welcome to use the Review tab to preview the test and when happy with it, go to the next set of steps for enabling the report for panelists to see.



Set Targets And Ranges For Category Scale Attributes

In order to prepare the feedback for panelists using the Category scale attributes, you will need to set the targets and ranges for samples and attributes that you wish to provide feedback on.


Set Targets And Ranges For Line Scale Attributes

In order to prepare the feedback for panelists using the Line Scale attributes, you will need to set the targets and ranges for samples and attributes that you wish to provide feedback on.


Set Correct Responses For Choose 1 Questions

In order to prepare the feedback for panelists using the Choose 1 questions, you will need to set the correct responses for the Choose 1 questions that you wish to provide feedback on.


Training Reports

Use the Hits and misses report to gain insight into your panel training progress.

For greater details about your panelist performance, use our Descriptive analysis workbook.

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