Effects of Senses Other than Taste on the Perception of Flavor

This topic submitted by Mr. Joseph Christopher Puchala, and Amy Humphrey, Laura Runyon, and the Travis Williams ( puchaljc@muohio.edu ) on 9/28/05. [Section: Winnubst]

Natural Systems 1 Syllabus---Western Program---Miami University

The purpose of this research experiment is to determine what the effects are (if there are actually any) of senses other than taste on the perception of flavor. This includes introducing foreign colors, smells, and sounds in an attempt to influence the brainÍs recognition of taste.

If a subject tastes a familiar substance while one or more senses other than taste are influenced by a stimulation unrelated to the flavor, then the subject will incorrectly guess the taste of the substance.

This food that subjects will taste in an attempt to positively identify will be yogurt. Foreign smells and dyes will be introduced into the situation. Materials needed are the following:
Yogurt
Spoons
Food dyes
Odorous Substances (ie. Cinnamon, pepper, or peanut butter)

The safety of the subjects will be insured. All subjects will be questioned about food allergies. Contamination from subject to subject will be prevented by using fresh spoons for each subject and individual yogurt portions.

To prevent bias in the subject will not know whether or not their yogurt has been tampered with.

Possible locations for data collection are outside the Shriver Center or Rec Center.

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