C05 · Reference edition 2026.11
Descriptor and judgement — Review and interpretation
A descriptor names a perceived quality; a judgement expresses preference or an assessment. Keep these separate in a sensory note.
Scope and purpose
Review the record before drawing a conclusion. Look for missing context, ambiguous labels and claims that exceed the evidence. The purpose is to identify what can be understood from the record and what still requires a separate assessment.
Working notes
This atlas connects descriptive vocabulary, observation context and reference-sheet design. All example records are synthetic and exist to explain a method of documentation; they do not represent tested batches, product ratings or scientific results. The diagrams are original editorial graphics. Descriptions of perceived character are kept separate from ingredient, origin, health and certification claims. Read definitions and scale anchors before comparing records.
Practical example
Record a perceived fruit-like character before adding a separate preference observation.
| Reference record | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| C05 | Descriptor and judgement |
| Scope and purpose | A descriptor names a perceived quality; a judgement expresses preference or an assessment. Keep these separate in a sensory note. |
| Limits and interpretation | A descriptor is not proof of an ingredient, origin or processing method. |
Review checklist
Read the record without relying on memory; check every label; identify uncertainty; decide whether a specialist review is required; retain the original observation.