Thematic Apperception Test

You are required to write your story on the following points.

1. What has led up to the situation?
2. What the characters are feeling and thinking
3. What is happening at the moment
4. What is the final outcome of the story
No. of Pictures – 12 Time of each Picture - 30 Seconds + 4 Minutes

The 12th will be blank you have to yourself imagine a picture and write a story on it.
Take six A4 sheets and fold each sheet into two half's horizontally and within the two half's you
have to write the story, be careful that your story doesn't exceeds the space limit of half page.
Instructions for TAT
1. This is a test of imagination
2. You have to write your answers in page No 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 of your answer sheet
3. Write your answer in English/Hindi or combination of both in the space provided
4. You have to write story on all pictures.
6. You must not be in possession of any watch or any other electronic gadget.

What is (TAT) Thematic Apperception Test in SSB

Under psychological test, four tests are conducted:
 Thematic Apperception Test (TAT )
 Word Association Test (WAT)
 Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
 Self-Description Test (SD)
Thematic Apperception Test in SSB:
Technically Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective psychological test. Proponents of
this technique assert that a person’s responses reveal underlying motives, concerns, and the
way they see the social world through the stories they make up about ambiguous pictures of
people.
What is Thematic Apperception Test in SSB
Create a story which requires a hero and a challenge, how the hero will overcome the crisis and
succeed.
The meaning shows candidate’s state of mind.
Scoring systems of Thematic Apperception Test (TAT):
The TAT was developed during the 1930s by the American psychologist Henry A. Murray and lay
psychoanalyst Christiana D. Morgan at the Harvard Clinic at Harvard University.
 Murray developed a scoring system for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), his scoring were
based on intensity, frequency, duration, and importance to the plot/story. A story teller has to
understand the need and presses of the story.
 Defense Mechanisms Manual DMM method is also used as a scoring system for Thematic
Apperception Test (TAT), it assesses three defense mechanisms: denial (least mature),
projection (intermediate), and identification (most mature). A person’s thoughts/feelings are
projected in stories involved.
 Social Cognition and Object Relations SCOR scale is also one of the methods that’s been used
as a scoring system for Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), it assesses four different
dimensions of object relations: Complexity of Representations of People, Affect-Tone of
 Relationship Paradigms, Capacity for Emotional Investment in Relationships and Moral
Standards, and Understanding of Social Causality.
Note: Generally assessors rely on their clinical intuition to come to conclusions about
storytellers in Thematic Apperception Test in SSB.
Characteristics of the Story in Thematic Apperception Test in SSB:
 Each story must have a chief character (Hero), it will be wise to use officer like qualities ( OLQs )
when creating the personality traits of the character.
 Choose the age and profession of the main lead of your story very carefully.
 The age should be exactly what is evident from the picture. And choose the profession
according to the age.
 Avoid superficial base for the story, the practical a story sounds the positive will be the
impression on assessors.
 Always give the story a successful ending .
 Keep a clean and calm thought process while writing story.
 Avoid tough and negative language , keep it understandable and less technical.
 Keep a keen eye when looking at picture, read every small detail.
Examples of Thematic Apperception Test in SSB:
Below giver are some sample pictures for Thematic Apperception Test in SSB
 Characteristics of the Story
 The candidates must remember that there are certain essential elements or components of
a well constructed story.
o These are:
The Hero: The chief character with whom the writer identifies himself.

Other characters who help the hero in task undertaken by him.

 Situation in the Story:
 What it is ?
 How it came into being or what events led up to it?
 What will be the outcome or conclusion?
The them or plot:
 Attempt by the hero, assisted by other characters to organize the story by pooling all
the resources at this disposal in order to successfully solve the problem by him.
 The plot should be interesting and end successfully.
 The reader must not remain in doubt about it or keep on guessing it.

Thematic Apperception Test Tips

• Firstly observe the background/scenario whether it is city, village, town. Now judge the characters
involved in it.
• Relate the story with yourself as you are in the story
• Figure out the main character from the story. It is very important to pick out this role. Assume the main
character as yourself
• Note: Main character: This character is the centralized character which must have Officer like qualities
(strong, brave, bold)
• You should keep in mind positive story has great impact. So try to depict your story in a positive way
• The bad part is the shortage of time. After analysing a character and scenario close your eyes and see
what would you have done if you were in the story. Frame it in a well mannered and an effective way.
• What to do if negative type of pictures (dead body, accident) are shown? Just avoid it and try to turn your
story in a positive mood
• Simply write down what you saw while you closed your eyes
• Sentences should be short, simple and meaningful
• It’s important if your story contain a moral or final outcome
• Try to write in a past tense
• You should be alert that don’t describe a picture, just with the help of these pictures write a story
 1. Simple language – This will ease the assessors to get what you want to convey and you to
express your ideas clearly. You can use Hindi words also, if not getting any correct word in
English.
2. Don’t describe – Many times, freshers make this mistake by just describing the picture and
resources. Sometimes, candidates start the story and turns towards its description.
3. The story should be normal – Try to make a normal story. Your situation, planning and
organising your resources should be in a normal way rather than complexity.
4. Check the picture deeply – Entire psychology is a matter of perception. And perception is
based on the observation. Your observation can drive your story to a new level. Observe the
picture and hammer your mind to break out new ideas.
5. Enclose story in given time – Average story can be written in 12-15 lines, which is sufficient
and can be covered in a given time. So utilize the time for observing the picture and deciding
the theme of the story.
6. The character should be of your age and personality – Your hero/ protagonist should be of your
age, physic and should resemble your nature.
7. Use resources and ease planning – Every picture/ story situation has some hidden resources
either shown or to be assumed as per you situation and planning framed. For example, if your
area of action is market, college or any other busy area, then people can be a resource.
8. The composition should be practical – Don’t cast yourself as a superhero or don’t try to make
the story destructive or heavily problematic.
Conclusion –Remember, make a story that resembles your behavior and nature, because
psychology access your mind and this must resemble what you are doing in GTO and what you
are speaking in an interview. So be what you are.
Below are the points to follow while framing a story in TAT and PPDT (screening).
1. Introduction of hero – The hero must resemble to you in all situations. This means that in a
story, you have to make him do what you do.
You have to give your response in the situation shown in picture
The hero must also be introduced in the story, i.e. His name, what currently he is doing and
from where he belongs. Don’t describe his address and his place of residence.
2. Identify the problem – Either the problem is shown in open, or it will be hidden. If you can’t
find any problem, then make a story showing enjoyment and happiness. Don’t add devastation,
deadly crisis or extremely negative story. Your story must revolve around your hero solving
that problem.
3. Figure out your plan – You don’t have to describe your plan in the story. Just implement it.
Planning must have use of people around you, resources and must go with time.
4. Check resources – Utilizing resources can help you in solving the problem in less time, more
easily and reduces the efforts. Some resources are visible in picture and some are to be
assumed as per the area of action.
5. The Solution must be practical – Should solve the problem completely. If the solution is
incomplete or non-practical then your story is useless. A problem is never solved at once.
Several minor problems always emerge while you are solving the problems. Psychologist
wants you to mention them and how you tackle them to reach the climax. This shows your
social presence and practical knowledge.
6. Depict qualities by work rather than words – Words like dynamic, hardworking, active, all-
rounder in your story and shown no desirable action, is a hype creating personality. You must
do your task without pointing qualities. And remember, don’t reward your hero at the end. This
is reward seeking attitude.
Some basic things to remember while writing story are –
Don’t make a dominated hero. Commanding only is not an OLQ, get involved in the task
 Sandeep who declared as a Captain of his NCC team in
Republic Day Parade. He was awarded for his
outstanding performance in all the NCC camps. While he
was returning with his friend from the function. The Lady
was shouting thief thief. Suddenly Sandeep saw a man
carrying a purse passing by his car. Sandeep with his
friend ran behind him & chased the thief. Lastly the thief
returned the lady’s bag all the things he had with him.
Sandeep handed the thief to police.

Qualities of Sandeep: Courageous, Helping nature)

Lt. Arun Kumar who martyred in the bomb attack. His

dead body is on the stretcher and transferred to his
family from operation theatre room. His brother is also
walking behind the stretcher and feeling helpless. During
saving his soldier from bomb attack Arun lost his life. Lt.
Arun Kumar cremation was peacefully done by Prime
Minister. As he was the brave and courageous Officer
who led his life for the nation. His eight years son take a
pledge to be an officer like his father.

(Qualities of Lt. Arun Kumar: Endless qualities as

qualities of a martyr can't be counted ...Jai hind!)

Mohit is driving a car with his little daughter

Rithima. Already he was late to reach his
daughter’s School PTM as only 15 minutes
were left. Suddenly he met with an accident
with a school boy. Crowds gathered and
Mohit came out of his car. Immediately he
took a boy in his car and rushed to nearby
hospital. Police also came there for
investigation but Mohit accepted his crime.
He also committed not to drive fast again in
the future. After this incident they came to
know the school boy was classmate of
Rithima. He was also getting late to school.

(Qualities : Quick decision. Guts to commit

his mistake)
 SHAURYA- THE RUNNER
Shaurya was a student. He was a very good runner. He
thought that he could increase his stamina and can do
professional running.He started practicing everyday with
full zeal.He increased his stamina.He noticed that there
were others too in his school who could run and had
stamina. The idea of making a team came in his mind.He
talked to the head of the school and convinced him to
make a team and go for competitions.
He organised a team of athletes and started practicing
with them.His school team with him as their captain
entered many competitions and performed beyond everybody's expectations.He went all the way to
represent his state in the national athletic meet and performing very well in his running event.He
was also given a scholarship for college.
REVIEW
* Always remember that never start a story from any negativity : shaurya belonged to a poor family
* Do not make him meet with any tradegy and that will show that you think negatively.
* Everyone will be writing a story related to running. he hero of my story makes a team ( shows his
organizing capabilities + leadership + team work ).
* Army is all about organization. convinced his principal - convincing power (very important).
* Remember in every story these two things should be there - convincing and organisation

PRATAP- VIOLINIST
Pratap was a very good violinist .he started practicing from a
very small age. when he went to collage for B.Sc. He was
doing well in his studies . he decided to increase his skills in
violin an d become professional. he convinced his parents that
he will give more time to violin. he decided to form a music
band. he searched for people playing drums, guitar, vocals
etc. then he formed a music band . they started practicing
together. they started performing at pubs , clubs etc. then he
asked his principal that they must perform in the upcoming
collage festival. they performed there and it was a big hit. the
chief guest of the show was a music director he was very
much impressed by his performance. he offered him to play for his upcoming movie. then there was
no turning back . he went on to become a very famous violinist doing shows in various parts of the
country .
REVIEW –
* hero did two things - organized ( music band ) and convinced .
* here he not only worked on himself but also helped others - shows his social adjustability .
COMMON MISTAKES-
* the sad face is just to see whether the candidate observes his sad mood or he is interested in
seeing his zeal. why do you have to make a story on his sad face., make a story on his violin ,
his achievements etc, dont show your negativity,
* Don’t make him go against his parents. Just make him convince his parents, be positive each
and every time.
* dont bring any negativity to your story like his accident. violin broken . fight with members,
exams clashing., parents against etc etc!! THERE IS NO NEED FOR THESE !! :)
FIRST WRITE A STORY ON THIS PICTURE AND THEN READ MY STORY!!!!
THIS IS A VERY COMMON PICTURE FOR TAT . IN SSB YOU WILL SEE A FORT IN
BACKROUND AND TWO/THREE BOYS !!
THE CLASS PICNIC
Sanjiv was an adventurous school boy. one day he with his friend Vinod went to a jungle far from
city f or adventure. there they saw a beautiful fort .they decided to show it to other friends also .
sanjiv talked to his class teacher and principal . they agreed on his plan of organizing a class picnic
to that fort. sanjiv was given the responsibility. he showed that fort to his teacher in advance and
teacher was convinced.he then planned the day ,timings, amout that everybody has to contribute, he
gave the accounts responsibility to Vinod.he also arranged a bus , he kept the issue of security and
safety in his plan and worked accordingly.he also planned few games that every one could ply and
enjoy. the class went to the picnic ,sanjiv showed them the way .everybody appreciated his efforts
and thanked him for doing such a nice work.
REVIEW-
* i dont understand why most of the people write story on some archaeological research by a
school going boy.it has become very common now , you dont have to award him state prize for
his work everytime.
* this is a very small story but very constructive
+he is adventurous +socially adjustable(organizing a picnic for class)
+organizing capability(organizing a picnic)
+distribution of responsibility - maximum use of resources available
+leadership +convincing power
 all these qualities were showed and there is no negativity
* the end of the story is also simple. the "HERO" is not a "HERO" who win a state prize or medal
or something big ,small appreciation can also make him a "HERO"

Ravi mathur was a 24 yrs

old intelligent and helpful
man. he was a college
student. one day he was
going to colg for his exams
and he saw that an accident
had taken place as two cars
had collided. he
immediately rushed to the
place and organized the
spectators to help the
injured. he gave first aid to
the injured. and the
volunteers agreed to take
the injured to the nearest
hospital. he arranged the
people to park the car. then
he went for his xm. after xm he rushed to the hospital to see them and wished them to
recover faster.
.