Hedonic scale

[Rico]

I was reading about this scale, and found different interpretations for it:
1-the scale when you try the product
2- scale where respondents can say commnents
3- two sides scales only

What is the truth about hedonic scale?

[Sherman Whipple]

Hi Rico,

When one refers to hedonic scales, one is usually talking about the 9 point hedonic scale which is the standard for the taste testing field. It has been around forever (Eve used it with Adam to gauge the taste of the apple) and used in hundreds of thousands of studies.

The "truth" about the nine point hedonic scale is that it is actually a pretty poor scale as scales go because it centers at 5 on a balance from extrreem like to extreem dislike which tends to cluster rather than descriminate.

This said, even though most accept that it is a poor scale, they continue to use it because they can compare and contrast observations with an immense and global base of prior research. For additional insight they can also use "Just Right" (ie. Goldilocks) and modified hedonic techniques to add detail.

I hope this helps.

Sherman

[Rico]

My client expalined to me that by hedonic they mean the 6 point scale
I fin the 6 point scale extremly difficult to use by respondents. I guess i will try to take her back to 5 points scales.

[amitm]

The hedonic scale is just another scale that has been scaling the ever growing roads of marketing research since the scales started being used for MR.

It was a 9 point scale which then became a 7 point scale because it was felt that respondents could not distinguish such a fine clarity in distinction in their evaluations and because of the tediousness of comparison of results ....

But really scales are best when they fit the environment of the respondents. If the respondents can distinguish easily and if the results are impactful enough using a 2 point or a 3 point scale then there is absolutely no need for a 4 point or more scale.