Assessor Resource

PSPSCI403A
Organise and undertake scientific_technological research

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the conduct of scientific or technological research at an experienced level where independent judgment is used to determine the means of achieving objectives within generally directed programs. It includes identifying the research issue and research methodology, organising and carrying out the research and communicating the results.

In practice, organising and undertaking scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as applying government processes, acting ethically, using resources, gathering and analysing information, working safely.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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:

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals

PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPOHS401B Implement workplace safety procedures and programs

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 organised and undertaken 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 organising and undertaking scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

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

evidence of research conducted and report/s and/or articles published locally

evidence of research presentation/s for regional industry/scientific audience

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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 in the context of scientific/technological research

using technology for data input, analysis and preparation of reports

interpreting and preparing reports containing scientific/technological 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 regional 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:

research methodologies

scientific process

statistics (working knowledge)

specialist area of expertise

the industry

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

legislation, public sector standards 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 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.

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

Acquisition of 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

Communication of results may include:

internal reporting verbally and in writing

publishing material in industry journals

publishing reports for scientific audiences

publishing reports/articles for lay audiences

presentations at seminars and scientific conferences

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Industry analysis and consultation are used to identify likely research issues in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Issue to be researched that is relevant to the industry and to the organisation's objectives is identified 
Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and handled in accordance with organisational requirements 
Current and published information relevant to the research issue is identified and analysed 
Objectives are established in consultation with other researcher/s in accordance with organisational policy and resource requirements 
A range of research method/s and analytical techniques is considered and the methodology and techniques are chosen that best en able objectives to be met 
Hypothesis is determined and is plausible, relevant and of benefit 
Risk management strategies, activities and tasks are determined in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology 
Hypothesis and methodology are recorded in accordance with organisational requirements 
Resources to conduct the research are acquired in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Tasks are scheduled and carried out in accordance with research methodology 
Research is monitored, data is collected and analysed and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with research requirements 
Research results are documented and report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational requirements 
Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements 
Research results are communicated to the organisation, to the scientific community and/or the industry via publications and presentations in accordance with organisational policy and procedures 
Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational requirements 
Industry analysis and consultation are used to identify likely research issues in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Issue to be researched that is relevant to the industry and to the organisation's objectives is identified. 
Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and handled in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Current and published information relevant to the research issue is identified and analysed. 
Objectives are established in consultation with other researcher/s in accordance with organisational policy and resource requirements. 
A range of research method/s and analytical techniques is considered and the methodology and techniques are chosen that best enable objectives to be met. 
Hypothesis is determined and is plausible, relevant and of benefit. 
Risk management strategies, activities and tasks are determined in accordance with the requirements of the research methodology. 
Hypothesis and methodology are recorded in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Resources to conduct the research are acquired in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Tasks are scheduled and carried out in accordance with research methodology. 
Research is monitored, data is collected and analysed and contingencies are dealt with in accordance with research requirements. 
Research results are documented and report/s are prepared within specified timeframes in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Reports are written clearly and concisely in styles suited to scientific and/or lay audiences in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Research results are communicated to the organisation, to the scientific community and/or the industry via publications and presentations in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSCI403A - Organise and undertake scientific_technological research
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSCI403A - Organise and undertake scientific_technological research

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: