Elements and Performance Criteria
- Clarify research brief
- Confirm topic or content to be researched with relevant personnel, including deadlines for completion
- Identify research and data gathering techniques that best meet the requirements of the brief
- Discuss research ideas fully and constructively with relevant personnel and identify any implications for research briefs
- Reach agreement with relevant personnel on the format for presenting research findings
- Identify issues of a culturally sensitive or legal nature that affect research briefs
- Alert relevant personnel to potential difficulties in meeting briefs and agree on alternative strategies or outcomes
- Where specialist research expertise is required, identify potential subcontractors and organise subcontract arrangements in consultation with relevant personnel
- Conduct research
- Identify sources of information and potential contributors relevant to research briefs
- Design research tools as required
- Contact a sufficiently wide range of valid sources to optimise information gathering in line with research briefs and agreed methodology
- Approach relevant sources promptly and in a way most likely to elicit the required information
- Adjust research strategies as required, without compromising required outcomes
- Maintain accurate and comprehensive details of information sources
- Adjust contact information when requirements of research briefs change and keep records up to date
- Record all data gathered in a system that allows easy access and retrieval of information in the analysis phase
- Analyse research findings
- Analyse and interpret data or information gathered
- Check all facts before including them in research findings
- Make judgements about how much information to include in research findings and be clear on the rationale for doing so
- Develop conclusions and recommendations as required in consultation with relevant personnel
- Present research findings