Thematic Association Test
The Thematic Association Test (TAT) is one of the psychological tests conducted during the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview process, where candidates are shown a series of ambiguous pictures and are required to write a story based on each picture within 4 minutes. The aim of the test is to gauge the candidate’s perceptions, thought process, and how they approach challenges or situations.
Here are some tips for attempting the TAT
- You will be shown 12 pictures (including 1 blank slide) during the test. For each picture, you must write a story based on the scene.
- Each story should have a beginning, middle, and end.
- Focus on the central character (the "hero") and how they deal with the situation.
- A strong story in the TAT follows a logical flow:
- Introduction: Briefly describe the situation in the picture and introduce the main character (usually the person you relate to or the hero).
- Problem/Challenge: Highlight the challenge or situation that the character is facing.
- Action Taken: Describe how the character tackles or deals with the situation. This is where you should emphasize qualities like leadership, initiative, determination, and teamwork.
- Outcome: Conclude with a positive or constructive ending, showing how the character’s actions led to success or a resolution of the challenge.
- Leadership: The hero should take charge of the situation.
- Teamwork: Emphasize working with others or helping someone.
- Responsibility: The hero should act responsibly and with maturity.
- Decision-making: Show a rational, confident decision being made.
- Resilience: Demonstrate how the character overcomes obstacles or setbacks.
- Initiative: Let the hero be proactive, not passive.
- Always write a positive, constructive story. Even if the picture looks gloomy or depicts a crisis, make the hero respond courageously and intelligently.
- Avoid dark themes like death, crime, or helplessness. Focus on how the hero improves the situation.
- Write authentic and original stories. Avoid trying to remember or copy stories from books or movies, as they might seem unrealistic or exaggerated.
- Think of real-life examples from your own experiences or from inspiring situations you’ve seen around you.
- Your hero should always be active in the story, solving problems or taking initiative.
- Show them using logic, creativity, or bravery to resolve the conflict.
- The hero should not be a bystander or someone waiting for help.
- You will have 4 minutes to write each story. Make sure to manage your time well. Don’t get stuck on minor details.
- Quickly analyze the picture and start writing after identifying the theme. Keep the story short and to the point.
- The pictures may be ambiguous or unclear, but your task is to create a clear narrative.
- Look at the basic elements in the picture—age, background, number of people, expressions, etc.—and build your story around them.
- Don’t get overwhelmed by complex scenes. Simplify the situation and focus on the action of your hero.
- The last slide will be blank. This is your opportunity to create a story based on your own imagination.
- You can use a real-life experience, an aspirational situation, or any positive theme to build a story.
- Ensure that this story is consistent with the rest, maintaining the positive, solution-oriented outlook.
- Regular practice is key to becoming comfortable with the TAT. Try writing stories based on random images, keeping in mind the 4-minute time limit.
- Focus on creating balanced and optimistic stories each time.
Do's and Don’ts for TAT
Do’s:
- Write logical and practical stories.
- Stay calm and composed while interpreting the picture.
- Highlight positive outcomes and problem-solving approaches.
- Ensure the hero’s actions are appropriate to the situation.
- Write meaningful actions and relevant details to the picture.
Don’ts:
- Don’t write dramatic or far-fetched stories. Keep them realistic.
- Avoid themes of failure, defeat, or negativity.
- Don’t make the hero dependent on luck or outside help.
- Don’t leave your story incomplete or unclear.
- Avoid passive characters or indecisive behavior in your hero.
INSTRUCTIONS
- A sample TAT is provided to you for practice. We will review your work and provide you inputs on your personality and points for improvement.
- Fill up your particulars in the answer sheet selected by you.
- Name
- Age and gender
- Type of entry
- Mobile number and email id
- You will be provided a series of 12 pictures (including one blank slide) one after the other. The first 11 pictures will be images depicting various situations, and the 12th will be a completely blank screen.
- Each picture should be seen for 30 seconds. You are expected to observe the picture carefully during this time.
- After seeing the picture, you will have 4 minutes to write a story based on what you observed. Once the 4 minutes are over, stop and see the next picture. This process will continue until all 12 pictures are completed.
- You may however stop in between if you so desire.
- For the first 11 pictures, write a story that includes the following elements:
- What led to the situation in the picture (the background).
- What is happening at the moment (the present action).
- What will be the outcome (the future).
- Your story should have a hero or a central character. You should focus on how this character reacts to the situation in the picture, how they face the challenge, and how they resolve the problem. Try to bring out positive traits in your hero, such as leadership, responsibility, courage, and cooperation.
- In the case of the blank slide (12th picture), you are required to create a story from your imagination. The format remains the same as for the previous slides: include a beginning, middle, and end.
- There is no right or wrong story. You are encouraged to use your imagination and creativity. The stories should reflect your natural thoughts and personality.
- Once you complete writing the story, get ready to observe the next picture.
- Scan your answer sheets and forward them to our email id, dograssbcoaching@gmail.com. You may also forward the scanned copies to whatsapp number 8178140078.