Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake field research relevant to permaculture systems and projects. It requires the ability to design technical and social field research, prepare for field research, conduct field research, assess research outcomes and report on research relevant to permaculture systems and projects.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Scope permaculture field research | 1.1 Identify challenges and opportunities in permaculture projects or systems that elicit research questions 1.2 Identify and justify the purpose of field research 1.3 Define and justify field research topic, question or hypothesis 1.4 Assess suitability of field research subject in relation to permaculture principles, practices and ethics |
2. Design permaculture field research | 2.1 Design field research plan 2.2 Identify relevant information sources and review relevant and credible literature related to the research topic 2.3 Determine appropriate research methods for data collection 2.4 Identify reference groups for field research, if applicable 2.5 Locate field research sites according to design requirements 2.6 Identify site factors where appropriate and incorporate into research 2.7 Create a budget for field research plan 2.8 Identify and obtain approvals and permits required |
3. Prepare to conduct field research | 3.1 Identify work health and safety hazards associated with the implementation of field research 3.2 Identify and document social and environmental implications associated with field research 3.3 Identify materials, tools, equipment and machinery required for field research, confirm cost and availability with suppliers, contractors and appropriate personnel 3.4 Establish and prepare field work sites for implementation of field research using the specifications of the field work design 3.5 Organise access to field research subjects at times and places suitable for data collection |
4. Conduct field research | 4.1 Undertake data collection throughout the course of field research according to the specifications of research design plan and chosen methodologies 4.2 Monitor field research for accuracy and compliance to research design 4.3 Record all research data accurately using the specifications of the research design |
5. Assess practical application of research outcomes | 5.1 Analyse research data for categories, themes, trends, patterns and significant information 5.2 Create quantitative and qualitative records of research data analysis 5.3 Synthesise research findings and draw conclusions based on evidence and reasoned arguments 5.4 Assess the meaning of research outcomes for practical application, based on conclusions drawn from the field research |
6. Report field research findings | 6.1 Determine desired actions from field research 6.2 Determine target audience for field research reporting 6.3 Draft research report and obtain feedback 6.4 Publish and circulate field research report |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
formulate and justify research questions
design a field research plan
conduct research and evaluate information
enter, analyse and organise data quantitatively and qualitatively in charts, tables and graphs
produce written reports on research outcomes and provide conclusions based on appropriate evidence and reasoned arguments
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles, practices and ethics, such as:
topics for field research
people or groups of people participating in or related to permaculture projects
people or groups of people participating in or related to other topics which themselves relate to permaculture
systems and/or technical elements of permaculture systems
animals-related studies (including insects, reptiles, birds and fish)
plant-related studies
studies of integrated plant and animal systems
appropriate technologies or technological solutions
appropriate energy generation, storage and capture
water treatment, catchment and storage systems
natural systems
environmental issues
product comparisons
field research methods, such as:
group and individual interviews
dialogue and storytelling
use of communications technology
records and testimonials
electronic recordings
questionnaires
statistical sampling
observation
surveys
research methodologies, such as:
action research
needs studies
case studies
statistical sampling
field research plan design – a staged sequence of steps and accompanying methodologies for obtaining answers to research questions
permaculture systems implementation and management techniques and practices
growth habits, physiological properties and taxonomic specification of animals and plants involved in permaculture
participants and stakeholders of permaculture systems and projects, such as:
those who will use the research to influence decision making and policy
those who will benefit from the research
the researchers
ethics committees
anyone who is researched
scientific and mathematical research approaches, data collection, processing and analytical techniques and procedures
auditing and reporting procedures
research planning and budgeting
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)