M. Kergoat, A. Giboreau, T. Meyer

Sensory evaluation constitutes one step in the elaboration process of new products. This one relates to qualification of products’ sensorial properties as well as an evaluation in terms of sensory preferences. One of the major issues emerging from sensory studies and tests is the possibility to characterize individuals according to their sensory preferences. Whether a consensus is frequently observed concerning sensorial properties, preferences evaluation of products present heterogeneous groups. Variables generally collected (gender, age, socio-economic level, usage, value attributed to the product….) are not specially accounting for these differences and therefore don’t permit an identification of these individual groups.

We propose a psychological approach based on the research of personality and psychosocial factors to better characterize these groups. We will present results that stem from a literature review considering the relationship between sensory evaluation – especially evaluation based on the sight and touch – and an individual differences approach. We can already consider five distinct sides: cognitive, cognitivo-motivational, affective, sensory and social. The cognitive side concerns in particular individual differences related to sensorial modalities (e.g. the touch, Stankov, Seizova & Roberts, 2005). Cognitivo-motivational side is about motivation to process the information. Some individuals have a propensity and appreciate more to engage themselves in thoughts and reasoning (Need for cognition, Cacioppo & Petty, 1982), others have greater need to evaluate an object, to get an attitude over this object (Need to evaluate, Jarvis & Petty, 1996). But we can take in account the fact that some people prefer process the information in an affective manner (Preference for affective information scale, Sojka & Giese, 1997) or that they experience their emotions more deeply (Affect intensity scale, Larsen & Al., 1986). We could also interpret in an affective way the Need for Personal Structure Scale (Neuberg & Newson, 1993; Meyer, 2004), which measures the preference for simple and familiar structures. More specifically, some studies have developed individual difference scales concerning specific sensorial modalities like the preference for haptic information (Need for touch scale, Peck & Childers, 2003). Finally, social considerations can influence product evaluation like the need to project a positive self-image in society (Self-monitoring scale, Snyder, 1974).
Results of the literature review will be connected to the task evaluation context (instructions, way of product exposure, objective product characteristics...).

Mediator and moderator variables’ status concerning their effects on sensory evaluation and preferences will be discussed.