Page 75 - TPGFBAO First Draft (5th Ed)

FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Personality assessment conducted in SSBs is based on the science of psy-

chology. Psychology is not an absolute science, unlike the physical sciences

known to us. It implies that there are not always definite, ‘yes/no’ answers to

problems or situations.

Psychology tests in SSB are conducted based on projective technique. Pro-

jective technique works on the established fact that when we describe am-

biguous stimuli, we actually describe ourselves, and reveal our personalities,

the conscious part (of which we are well aware) and even the unconscious

part (of which we are unaware). The unconscious part of the brain is assessed

by some as being 9/10th part and conscious only 1/10th part. In projective

technique, a person is shown ambiguous stimuli (such as words, situations

or pictures) and asked to interpret them in some way. Such stimuli allow rel-

ative freedom in projecting one’s own interests and feelings into them and

reacting in any way that seems appropriate. Projective techniques are be-

lieved to be sensitive to unconscious dimensions of personality. Defence

mechanisms, latent impulses, and anxieties can be inferred from data gath-

ered from projective techniques by expert psychologists. Assessment by ex-

pert psychologists is an art and not a science.

Psychology tests arouse the greatest of interest among SSB aspirants. Aspi-

rants waste maximum time on preparing for psychology tests. From the na-

ture of questions asked by aspirants, I realise that there are a large number

of misconceptions about the tests. I have tried to clarify the major miscon-

ceptions about psychology tests in SSB, in this book.

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