Statistical comparison of the triangle test and the two-of-five test for taste and odor evaluation.

The Triangle test and 2-of-5 test are compared for their ability to evaluate tastes and odors in water and wastewater utilities. Both tests have varying statistical sensitivities. The 2-of-5 test is more sensitive and more powerful than the Triangle test, and generally requires fewer panelists for the same level of statistical confidence. This paper presents a method for determining the number of panelists for either test, and compares the results.