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problems consume more resources than others. In short every problem does not merit
attention in equal measure and simultaneously, you have to decide the order in which
you will attempt them. Remember, your resources are limited and as such you have to
divide them. The best way is to prioritise.
Search for ‘Red-Herrings’—In order to test the soundness of your logical faculty the GTO will
attempt to divert your attention by introducing some problem that appears important but actually it is
not. Such a distracter is called as ‘red herring’ in technical terms meaning thereby someone tries to take
your attention away from the main course of thoughts. Red-herrings are illusive. They might have the
external appeal to appear important but you can break their outer coating by application of logic to find
out the truth.
Search for Resources—Nothing can be achieved in vacuum. One needs to wield some
tools/implements to perform and get the desired results. You need :—

1 2 3

Some people Some
to help/share/take implements/tools/ Time to
responsibility equipment implement
(human resources) (material your plan
resources)

I draw your attention to our discussions on resources during TAT. Men, material, time and money
are the four primary resources. Time cannot be manipulated but can be utilised in efficient way. The
story here is not very different. Here also you have to draw resources from the environment or
improvise them using your imagination. Additionally you must bear in mind that the very purpose with
which you enter the situation equips you with some resources. Before setting the course for any
excursion one make preparation to make it successful.
For example if your batch goes on a picnic to a place in all probability, you would carry a
mobile phone, some eatables, a picnic knife, a portable music system, a pair of binoculars,
water can and some items for fun and entertainment. All these items may be used as a resource
at the needed hour in their own way. All you have to do is to activate your imagination.
Principle of Parsimony—It is unthinkable to possess unlimited resources in real life. When many
problems arise at one time and your resources are barely sufficient, the best thing to rely on is the
principle of parsimony. You might have to divide or recycle your men, material, time and money for
solutions of many problems. Principle of parsimony will guide you how to plan ?, when your hands are
tight. This will stimulate your imagination to explore ways and means to survive when chips are down.
Planning and Organisation. Your ability to plan and organise will aid you best to make a
successful plan. Situation in GPE is peculiar in a way that you have to make plans for attending many
problems at one time.
Here the planning and organisaiton is mixed with your ability to prioritise/reorganise.
Summary : Important Steps in GPE
— List out the problems.
— Prioritise the problems. Leave the red herrings.
— Look for resources. Observe, imagine and improvise.
— Allot the available resources according to the principle of parsimony.
— Plan and organise
Courage in Group Testing
No task in the Group Testing battery is specifically designed to unravel courage of a candidate. Its
manifestation can be seen throughout the series. Ability to overcome social shyness, normal timidity