CUARES402
Conduct research


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct research in response to a brief in the creative industries on any topic.

It applies to individuals who work with a significant degree of autonomy, but who usually report to a manager or client. Individuals might be full-time research officers or those for whom research forms part of their job. Alternatively, they may provide research services on a contract basis.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements 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. Clarify research brief

1.1 Confirm research topic or content with relevant personnel, including completion deadlines

1.2 Identify research and data gathering techniques that best meet requirements of the brief

1.3 Discuss research ideas with relevant personnel and identify any implications for research briefs

1.4 Discuss and agree on the format for presenting research findings with relevant personnel

1.5 Identify issues of a culturally sensitive or legal nature that affect research briefs

1.6 Alert relevant personnel to potential difficulties in meeting briefs and agree on alternative strategies or outcomes

1.7 Assess brief to identify need for specialist research expertise and discuss with relevant personnel if required

2. Conduct research

2.1 Identify, record and maintain accurate details of information sources and potential contributors

2.2 Design research tools, as required

2.3 Research a sufficiently wide range of reliable sources to optimise validity of results in line with research brief and agreed methodology

2.4 Make contact with identified sources promptly and in accordance with data gathering techniques methodology

2.5 Adjust research strategies to achieve required research outcomes, if necessary

2.6 Adopt safe ergonomic practices when using screens and keyboards for long periods of time

2.7 Record, and store all information and data in a system that allows for easy access and retrieval

3. Analyse research findings

3.1 Analyse and interpret data or information gathered

3.2 Check all facts and assess all information before including them in research findings

3.3 Observe copyright, intellectual property and privacy laws that may impact publication of research, and seek legal advice if required

3.4 Develop conclusions and recommendations as required in consultation with relevant personnel

4. Present research findings

4.1 Organise information logically and clearly in the agreed format

4.2 Present information to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines

4.3 Identify key issues for further research or discussion with relevant personnel

4.4 Seek feedback on the quality of research and note areas for improvement

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse research briefs and agree on requirements with relevant personnel

gather valid and reliable information from a range of sources according to an agreed methodology

analyse and interpret research findings to develop appropriate conclusions and recommendations

present research findings to relevant personnel, in an appropriate format, by agreed deadlines

maintain a system to store, retrieve and maintain contacts and research information

discuss key issues and seek feedback from relevant personnel to improve quality of research.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.


Evidence of Knowledge

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

explain features of commonly used quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

explain how to evaluate validity and reliability of an information source

explain typical legal issues that can affect research activities including copyright, intellectual property and privacy legislation

identify reliable sources of advice on legal issues

explain requirements for gathering information with cultural sensitivities

identify work health and safety standards as they relate to working for periods of time on screens and keyboards.


Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:

research briefs

interaction with others

a range of information sources.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


Foundation Skills

This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.

Skill

Performance

Criteria

Description

Reading

2.1, 2.3, 2.7, 3.1, 3.2

Interprets textual information in a variety of formats from diverse sources

Critically evaluates content to develop reliable findings that fulfil research briefs

Writing

2.2, 2.5, 2.7, 3.4, 4.1, 4.3

Develops material for a specific audience using clear and detailed language to convey explicit information, requirements and findings

Maintains an easily accessible and accurate information database

Oral Communication

1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.3, 3.4, 4.3

Engages in detailed discussions with others to clarify requirements and reach agreement

Explains detailed information clearly using language, tone and pace appropriate to audience

Uses careful listening and questioning techniques to gather information

Navigate the world of work

1.5, 2.6, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 4.4

Takes responsibility for provision of valid and reliable research services that meet client requirements

Identifies potential legal compliance issues

Identifies improvement opportunities to own research practice

Interact with others

1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 2.3, 2.4, 3.3, 3.4, 4.3, 4.4

Demonstrates sophisticated control over oral and written formats drawing on a range of communication practices to achieve research objectives and outcomes

Engages others in consultation and negotiations to reach agreement

Establishes rapport with research participants to elicit cooperation and information

Get the work done

1.2, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1-2.5, 2.7, 4.1, 4.2

Uses systematic, analytical processes to undertake complex tasks required to undertake research and present findings that satisfy requirements of project briefs

Clarifies research purpose and determines information sources, tools and techniques, and whether legal issues are present and specialist support is required

Manages and adjusts collection processes to ensure sufficiency and reliability of information

Establishes effective systems to underpin analysis of findings

Presents information in agreed format to deadline

Uses main features of digital tools and systems to access, organise and present information


Sectors

Knowledge management – research