The Thematic Apperception Test or TAT is the first test in the psychology assessment at SSB. It is a test of imagination, which is most visible in the TAT blank story. However, many candidates wonder what should be the perfect blank story. Hence, this piece clears all confusion with basic ideas for writing a good blank story.
What is the Thematic Apperception Test?
TAT is an hour-long psychology assessment in which you are shown 12 slides (11 having pictures and the last one being blank). You have to observe each picture for thirty seconds, and then write a story within four minutes. This process continues till all twelve slides finish.
This is similar to PPDT in screening but here, the pictures are clearer and related to everyday life. Also, due to the numerous slides, you have to write twelve different stories, which requires observation and imagination.
What is the TAT Blank Slide?
As mentioned above, the twelfth slide in TAT is a blank one. This means that after you’ve seen all eleven pictures and written a story on each, the last slide will not have any picture. It will be completely white.
You are free to imagine any picture of their choice and write a story for the TAT blank slide. Hence, you can prepare this story in advance and write the same in the real SSB.
Purpose of TAT Blank Slide
The TAT blank slide in SSB serves a specific purpose than just being another story. In the first eleven stories, the picture affects your perception however, the last one has no picture at all. Hence, it helps the psychologist understand your psyche when no stimulus is given. It further shares about:
- Your natural thoughts and ideas.
- The overall thinking pattern.
- What you value and prioritize in life.
- Coherence of your personality with the PIQ form.
TAT Blank Story Ideas
Now that you know the purpose of a TAT blank story, you must focus on it equally. Today, we give you five TAT blank story ideas that you can write a story on. Please know that these are not sample stories but just ideas so that your flow of thought is natural.
I. Organizing an event
Whether you are a student or a working professional, you must have organized an event at least once. It could be anything from a class-level skit to an inter-school sports match to a team meeting at work. Write your twelfth story on this idea.
Highlight the entire process and share how you found volunteers, arranged for adequate equipment, and managed other logistics. Stories around organizing events are quite popular among candidates and bring out good OLQs too.
II. Hobby or interest
The PIQ has a section for your hobbies and interests hence, this is the perfect way to relate your TAT blank story to yourself. Let’s say you have an interest in cooking, so you can write a story about a Sunday when you cooked hot meals for your family and enjoyed it together. This would show good family bonding.
The idea is simple: First, think of any hobby such as dancing, writing, singing, or travelling. Then recall any event of your life related to the same, and write a natural story on it.
III. A non-negotiable routine
Everyone has a daily non-negotiable activity that they never miss, come what may. This can transform into a good twelfth story for you. Suppose you go for a morning run daily. You can structure your story around running with friends, or how you encouraged your parents to accompany you for fitness.
Such stories depict a disciplined and encouraging personality, and you may also share the same with the interviewing officer to show a coherence in your mansa and vacha.
IV. Volunteering work
Volunteering reflects a giving personality and simultaneously gives you a chance to show more OLQs. If you have ever volunteered for an NGO, you can write about that experience. For example,
I was a volunteer for the Robin Hood Army and donated food to the needy through donation drives. So, I wrote about donating six hundred meals in one day for my TAT blank story.
You too, can write about teaching the underserved, or distributing water on a sunny day to make a good blank story.
V. A new learning
Learning is a continuous process and it shows good qualities about the learner. If you have learnt something recently, you can write your TAT blank story on it. It could be anything from learning how to drive to playing a guitar.
Elaborate on how you started learning it, the challenges faced, and how it transformed you. In doing so, you will subconsciously showcase many positive traits in your personality.
Is Copying TAT Blank Story Fine?
A lot of times, candidates look for story samples and copy them for their TAT blank story. However, this is the worst that you can do for SSB. Please know that the SSB is quick to separate copied responses from natural ones. Therefore, never copy your TAT blank story.
You can take inspiration from each other but the final product should be completely yours. This is why this blog focuses on TAT blank story ideas and not sample stories because a natural thought process makes you believable.
Mistakes to Avoid in TAT Blank Story
Here are some basic mistakes that you must avoid while writing your TAT blank story:
- Never copy ideas of recommended or repeater candidates. Keep it natural.
- Do not repeat stories: If you have written about cooking in one of the eleven stories, don’t write your twelfth story around it.
- Avoid writing the blank story on-the-spot. Prepare beforehand.
- Don’t behave heroic unnecessary. Believable stories are the right choice.
- Never write what you cannot justify later. Relate it to your life.
