ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Confirm research issue

1.1 Issue to be researched is confirmed and clarified with other researcher/s as relevant to the industry and the organisation's objectives.

1.2 Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and handled in accordance with organisational requirements.

1.3 Current and published information relevant to the research issue is located and analysed.

2. Employ selected research methodology

2.1 Research method/s and objectives are selected in consultation with other researcher/s in accordance with organisational policy and resource requirements.

2.2 Hypothesis is established and confirmed with other researcher/s as plausible, relevant and of benefit.

2.3 Tasks, risk management strategies and analytical techniques are confirmed in consultation with other researcher/s.

2.4 Research methodology is recorded in accordance with organisational requirements.

3. Carry out research

3.1 Resources to conduct the research are sourced in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3.2 Tasks are scheduled and carried out under general guidance in accordance with research methodology.

3.3 Research is monitored and data is collected and analysed in accordance with research plan.

3.4 Research results are discussed with other researcher/s and documented in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.5 Research report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.6 Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements.

4. Deliver research results

4.1 Research results are provided to the organisation, to the scientific community and/or to the industry in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

4.2 Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational requirements.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

carrying out research

using problem solving techniques

using technology for data input, analysis and preparation of reports

interpreting and preparing reports containing scientific research information using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

presenting research results tailored to different audiences such as local industry/scientific audience

applying occupational health and safety and environmental requirements to working in a scientific/technological research environment

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

a range of applicable research methodologies

scientific process

statistics (working knowledge)

specialist area of expertise

reporting requirements for scientific/technological research, requiring precision of expression and using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

public sector standards, legislation and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technological environment

public sector legislation including environmental and occupational health and safety requirements relating to scientific/technological research

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC301B Uphold the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV301B Work effectively in the organisation

PSPGOV302B Contribute to workgroup activities

PSPGOV307B Organise workplace information

PSPLEGN301B Comply with legislation in the public sector

PSPOHS301A Contribute to workplace safety

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

scientific/technological research conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols

research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research

industry information

risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different research situations

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when undertaking scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

scientific/technological research conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

demonstration

observation

portfolios

projects

questioning

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Other researcher/s may include:

research team leader

senior researchers

research team members

Current information may include:

other research in progress locally, nationally and internationally

recently published information

unpublished information

Research methods may include:

single experiment

chain of experiments

Analytical techniques may include:

statistical analysis

sample analysis

Resources may include:

human

physical

monetary

design specifications

technical manuals

componentry

radioactive samples

Sourcing resources may include:

allocation from within the organisation

allocation from external source/s

Documented may include:

complete record to be held internally within the organisation

preparation of research results for publication

Provision of results may include:

internal reporting verbally and in writing

articles in industry journals

reports for scientific audiences

reports for lay audiences

presentations at seminars and scientific conferences