What Is Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in SSB Interview

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in SSB Interview

 

The SSB Interview comprises various assessments that measure a candidate's personality attributes. Candidates must pass a series of tests known as the Psychology Test after passing the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). The Psychology Test comprises four tests to assess a candidate's personality and cognition based on his/her age and background. These tests include Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self Description Test (SDT). The Thematic Apperception Test will be thoroughly discussed in this article. Continue reading to learn more about TAT and its significance in SSB Interview.

 

The Thematic Apperception Test - TAT is the first of the psychological series assessments, which takes place on day two after candidates have passed the screening tests. It is a test of the candidates' inventiveness as well as their cognitive skills in a stressed or dynamic environment. It is an unconscious state of mind assessment that stimulates a candidate's thought development.

 

• In the TAT, 12 unclear pictures are displayed, and the candidate is supposed to compose a response in the form of a story based on each picture.

• 11 of the 12 pictures feature visuals, but the last image is blank, allowing the candidate to write any story that comes to mind.

• Unlike PP & DT, the picture displayed in TAT is considerably clearer, and there is no discussion after the story is created.

• There is also a central character in the image who must possess the same attributes as the candidate who is creating the story.

 

Points to be considered while writing the TAT story

 

The TAT is one of the most crucial tests, and he must keep the following things in mind:

 

• Creating a Representation of the Central Character

 

Since the central character is modeled on the candidates, traits such as gender, age, and attitude should be comparable and one must represent activities that are consistent with officer-like qualities. In a TAT story, the central character may be expected to have a professional qualification, thus one must be mindful of these attributes and should have prior knowledge of them.

 

• Observation and Precision 

 

It is critical to pay close attention to the image, as many individuals in a rush ignore minute aspects. Everything in the story should be described in a concise and straightforward manner. Many students get overwhelmed when writing a delightful story and make blunders, therefore they should be very attentive and thoughtful when creating the story.

 

• The Use of Visionary Thoughts in a Rational Way

 

When writing the TAT story, logically consistent integration of elements is always required for the portrayal of officer-like qualities. Candidates should ensure that the story is realistic and that the central character is not transformed into a superman, but rather remains a genuine and ordinary individual.

 

• Exploration of the Unconscious Mind

 

TAT is a methodology for evaluating a candidate's unconscious mind by activating his or her thoughts using a projective technique. Candidates should be able to think freely and express their actual identities within the time constraints imposed by this test. Word and time limits are imposed to see how well one can compose ideas and carry the story to a satisfying conclusion.

 

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