Perceived Odor Intensity Ratings Based on Absolute Scales of Evaluators: Application of a 6‐Point Odor Intensity Scale Approximating the Visual Analogue Scale (<scp>VAS</scp>)

Abstract Perceived intensity of odor stimuli is often evaluated using the 6‐point odor intensity scale. As this scale is categorized as an ordinal scale, arithmetic operations cannot be directly applied to its ratings. To overcome this limitation, researchers have proposed a modified version of the 6‐point odor intensity scale that integrates a continuous visual analogue scale (VAS) format with labeled intervals. However, it remains unclear whether ratings obtained using this method reflect relative comparisons of odor intensities or are based on an individual's absolute scale of perception. This study experimentally examined whether ratings from the modified 6‐point odor intensity scale are based on an absolute perceptual scale. Participants were divided into two groups (high‐ and low‐concentration groups) and evaluated odor stimuli with five levels of concentration gradients, three of which overlapped between groups. The perceived intensity ratings for the overlapping concentrations were compared. Analysis revealed no statistical differences in perceived intensity ratings between the groups. These findings suggest that the modified 6‐point odor intensity scale allows participants to rate odor intensity based on their absolute perceptual scale.