Thematic Apperception Test

TAT or Thematic Apperception test is is a type of projective test that involves describing ambiguous scenes. It is also known as the picture interpretation technique. TAT was developed by Murray and Morgan at the Harvard Clinic at Harvard University during the 1930s.

The TAT involves showing people a series of picture cards depicting a variety of ambiguous characters (that may include men, women, and/or children), scenes, and situations.

The subject is asked to tell a story for each picture presented addressing these questions:

1. what has led up to the event shown?

2. what is happening at the moment?

3. what the characters are feeling and thinking?

4. what the outcome of the story was?

The complete version of the TAT includes 31 cards. Murray originally recommended using approximately 20 cards and selecting those that depicted characters similar to the subject.

Today, many practitioners only use between 5 and 12 cards, often selected because the examiner feels that the scene matches the client's needs and situation.

The TAT can be utilized by therapists in a number of different ways:

• To learn more about a person.

• To help people express their feelings.

• To explore themes related to the person's life experiences.

• To assess someone for psychological conditions.

• To evaluate crime suspects