The psychophysical assessment of odor valence: does an anchor stimulus influence the hedonic evaluation of odors?

Clepce M, Neumann K, Martus P, Nitsch M, Wielopolski J, Koch AM, Kornhuber J, Reich K, Thürauf N (2014)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2014

Journal

Chemical Senses Oxford University Press

Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP): Policy B - Oxford Open Option B

Book Volume: 39

Pages Range: 17-25

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjt050

Abstract

Olfactory stimuli are experienced primarily in terms of their hedonic tone and the assessment of olfactory hedonic estimates is a prevalent task in scientific and industrial contexts. However, measuring conditions are poorly standardized. Our study aims to fill this gap, focusing on the influence of anchor stimuli on olfactory hedonic evaluations, frequency of anchor presentation, and temporal stability of results. In n = 31 subjects, hedonic estimates for the 16 odors of the Sniffin' Sticks identification task were assessed on a visual analog rating scale under 4 measuring conditions (nonanchor, pleasant anchor, neutral anchor, unpleasant anchor). To test for stability over time, n = 10 subjects were reassessed 2, 4, and 6 months after original testing. To analyze for possible effects of single versus repeated anchor presentation, n = 15 subjects were retested 2 months after the original session in a multiple anchor presentation format. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the 4 anchor conditions, thus highlighting the necessity of specifying assessment methods in scientific research. No significant differences between timepoints were observed, indicating a high temporal stability of olfactory hedonic evaluations, especially from timepoint T2 onward. No overall significant effects of single versus multiple anchor presentation were detected. Findings might help to further standardize testing procedures.

Authors with CRIS profile

Jan Wielopolski Medizinische Fakultät Anna Maria Koch Department of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery Johannes Kornhuber Lehrstuhl für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie Karin Reich Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Norbert Thürauf Medizinische Fakultät

Involved external institutions

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin DE Germany (DE) Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Clepce, M., Neumann, K., Martus, P., Nitsch, M., Wielopolski, J., Koch, A.M.,... Thürauf, N. (2014). The psychophysical assessment of odor valence: does an anchor stimulus influence the hedonic evaluation of odors? Chemical Senses, 39(1), 17-25. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjt050

MLA:

Clepce, Marion, et al. "The psychophysical assessment of odor valence: does an anchor stimulus influence the hedonic evaluation of odors?" Chemical Senses 39.1 (2014): 17-25.

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