• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.199-208
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• 2007

The olfactory function of subjects could be different due to various factors such as aging, and such discrepancies influence on the olfactory sensibility. Therefore, the objectives of this study was to investigate changes of olfactory sensibility characteristics and structure in relation to the consideration of olfactory threshold of subject. Stimulants of this study were five standard odor samples of T&T olfactometer, and thirty undergraduates over than 19 years old were tested twice during this study In experiment 1, subjects were given to odor samples which were controlled on the basis of individual olfactory threshold. Whereas, subjects were provided with uncontrolled odor samples which had the same concentration(+1) in experiment 2. Olfactory sensibility characteristics were significantly different with presentation types of odor samples, and these gaps were more higher on condition that the preference of odor sample was not distinct. Moreover, such differences affected the olfactory sensibility structure, and 'esthetic sense', 'intensity', and 'activity' were common factors, but 'friendship' of experiment 1 and 'weight' of experiment 2 were unique factors. In conclusion, the olfactory sensibility characteristics and structure could be different with consideration of olfactory threshold of subject. Overall, this study suggest that the olfactory function and the presentation method of odor sample be regarded as principal consideration factors in the olfactory sensibility evaluation.