- Thematic Apperception Test Tutorial
- TAT - Home
- TAT - Introduction
- How Experts Define Aggression
- TAT - Precautions
- TAT - Case Studies
- TAT - Research Methods
- TAT - Research Results
- TAT - Pitfalls of TAT Analysis
- TAT - Aggressive Grouping
- TAT - Conclusion
- TAT Useful Resources
- TAT - Quick Guide
- TAT - Useful Resources
- TAT - Discussion
TAT - Aggressive Grouping
The following experiment was conducted on a group of piglets to determine their behavior at the time of their feeding off their mother. Two groups of piglets based on their gender were assessed based on their aggressive behavior.
The objective was to see if grouping piglets in different ways brings any change in the way they behave. The time of feeding was chosen as the observation time, as even mild-mannered piglets become agitated and competitive during feeding off.
Based on this, the piglets were grouped into −
Group FA-MF − 4 males and 4 females familiar to one another from birth.
Group UN-MF − 4 males and 4 females unfamiliar to one another.
Group UN-F − 8 unfamiliar female piglets.
Group UN-M − 8 unfamiliar male piglets.
The behavior of these four groups was studied by the researchers over a period of 28 days. It was observed that −
The Piglets in Group UN-MF fought longer than Group FA-MF, Group UN-F, and Group UNM on the 28th day.
Group UN-MF were also more aggressive than the piglets in Group FA-MF and Group UNF on the 27th day.
There were more scratches, bites and fights in case of Group UN-MF as compared to the rest three groups.
The duration of fights didn’t differ between Group FA-MF, Group FA-F, and Group FA-M.
In Group UN-MF and Group FA-MF, male piglets were found to be more aggressive for longer duration than females. The presence of females increased aggressive behavior.
Using this observation, scientists were able to prove that given the same conditions, and when faced with the same challenges, animals tend to behave differently in presence of different company. This was the basis of “Aggressive Grouping” which states that people change their behavior to suit the company.