The four psychology tests are taken together, but each asks for a different kind of response.
At a glance
- TAT — stimulus: a picture (and one blank slide). Response: a short story. Timing: about 30 seconds to observe and 4 minutes to write, 12 slides.
- WAT — stimulus: a single word. Response: one sentence. Timing: about 15 seconds per word, 60 words.
- SRT — stimulus: a short situation. Response: what you would do. Timing: about 30 minutes for around 60 situations.
- SDT — stimulus: five perspectives on yourself. Response: a description under each heading. Timing: about 15 minutes.
Imagination, association, action and reflection
- TAT draws on imagination: you build a story around an ambiguous picture.
- WAT draws on immediate association: there is no time to construct an answer.
- SRT draws on practical judgement: what you would actually do.
- SDT draws on reflection: how you and others see you.
Why practise all four
Each test highlights a different part of how you think, and the series is assessed as a whole. Strength in one test doesn't make up for being unprepared in another, so balance your practice.