Assessor Resource

PSPSCI603A
Initiate and conduct scientific_technological research

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Not applicable.

This unit covers the conduct of scientific/technological research at a level meriting national recognition where superior initiative and judgment are used within strategically important areas. It includes formulating the research question, devising the research methodology, conducting and managing the research, and publishing and presenting the research results.

In practice, initiating and conducting scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as acting ethically, applying government systems, maintaining strategic networks, managing resources, managing risk, managing workplace safety.

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:

PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service

PSPGOV601B Apply government systems

PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks

PSPMNGT602B Manage resources

PSPMNGT604B Manage change

PSPMNGT608B Manage risk

PSPOHS602A Manage 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 initiated and conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

published research papers and articles for scientific and lay audiences that receive national recognition

research presentations for national scientific and industry audiences

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 initiating and conducting scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

research initiated and conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

evidence of published research papers and articles for scientific and lay audiences that receive national recognition

evidence of research presentations for national scientific and industry audiences

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:

case studies

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 techniques

managing people and teams

influencing and negotiating

using a range of communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

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 a national 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)

the use of sophisticated statistical models

specialist area of expertise

the industry

national networks

external funding sources

reporting requirements for scientific research, requiring precision of expression

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

Resource needs may include:

human

physical

monetary

design specifications

technical manuals

componentry

radioactive samples

Documenting may include:

complete record to be held internally within the organisation

preparation of research results for publication

Dissemination of results may include:

building a national reputation through publications and presentations

national recognition for publication of research results in externally refereed publications

publishing material in industry journals

publishing reports for scientific audiences

publishing reports/articles for lay audiences

presentations at seminars and scientific conferences

internal reporting verbally and in writing

drafting ministerials

contributing to policy

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
Ongoing professional development and networking with industry, external funding bodies and professional networks are used to identify issues for investigation. 
Industry experience and industry analysis are used to formulate innovative research question/s in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Research question is formulated that is logical, defensible and dissects key elements of the issue to be investigated. 
Question to be researched is shown to be of strategic importance to the industry and to the organisation's objectives and timeframes. 
Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and exploited in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Research and professional networks are contributed to and used to access current information relevant to the research question, and both current and published information is assessed and relevant information is extracted. 
Innovations in research methods, objectives and/or the formulation of a hypothesis are evolved that will enhance the conduct of the research and meet organisational and funding requirements. 
Hypothesis is determined that is testable, relevant and of benefit, and research methods are developed appropriate to the hypothesis. 
Risk management strategies and resource needs are identified and specified in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 
Funding applications are prepared and submitted as required in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 
Documentation/recordkeeping is completed in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 
External funding is attracted and managed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Leadership is provided and research team is influenced/managed to meet research objectives. 
Performance and outputs are monitored and change/s in direction are instigated in accordance with the research methodology and organisational requirements. 
Collaboration across locations and organisations is facilitated to meet research objectives and timeframes. 
Research results are analysed, documented and report/s are prepared in accordance with the research methodology, organisational and funding body requirements. 
Communication style is adapted to write for both scientific and lay audiences and to translate results to applied situations. 
Research papers are published and results are disseminated widely both internally and externally to the organisation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Research is presented at seminars and scientific conferences, nationally or internationally in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements. 
National reputation is built through publication and presentation of research papers and networking nationally or internationally. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPSCI603A - Initiate and conduct 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:

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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPSCI603A - Initiate and conduct 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

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