Application
This unit describes the skills required to interpret data and related statistics. It includes interpreting graphs or tables, interpreting data and its summarised highlights, interpreting a range of official statistics in a policy environment, presenting statistical results and guiding others in the interpretation of data.
This unit applies to those working in generalist and specialist roles within the public sector.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently seeking advice as required, performing complex tasks in a range of familiar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Interpret a graph or table | 1.1 Write reports based on data that identify relevant relationships within data. 1.2 Calculate row and column percentages from a table. 1.3 Interpret data represented in a table or graph. |
2. Interpret data and its summarised highlights | 2.1 Define and explain data summaries and trends in a manner suited to the audience. 2.2 Interpret survey data according to accepted standards. 2.3 Interpret data and summarise its highlights. 2.4 Verify interpretation with a suitably qualified person. |
3. Interpret a range of official statistics in a policy environment | 3.1 Identify and explain data summaries and trends. 3.2 Interpret statistical tests and explain this interpretation. 3.3 Critique the sampling method or survey design. 3.4 Interpret the data in such a way as to inform decision making. 3.5 Verify interpretation with a suitably qualified person. 3.6 Identify the shortcomings of statistical applications in the policy environment. |
4. Present statistical results | 4.1 Present data in tables, charts and maps so that the reader does not misconstrue it. 4.2 Include glossaries, technical notes and referencing where required. 4.3 Prepare and present reports that include statistical concepts, tables, charts and maps. 4.4 Present findings in a way that is most appropriate for the audience. 4.5 Use charts in presentations that are appropriate to the variables and adhere to accepted standards. |
5. Guide others in the interpretation of data | 5.1 Define data summaries and trends clearly and communicate to staff involved in the project. 5.2 Communicate the assumptions upon which the interpretation is based, in accordance with audience needs. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to statistical work
explaining the results of an analysis in writing
constructing graphs, tables and maps using software
using presentation software
communicating with diverse audiences including explaining, interpreting, presenting results
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
public sector legislation including WHS and environment, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to statistical work
summary statistics
statistical tests and related assumptions
different methodologies and related assumptions
the quality of a statistic
sources of error including standard error
data collection methodologies
sources of expertise within the organisation
‘how numbers relate’ or the associations between statistics
the ethical issues associated with presenting statistical results
intellectual property issues and how they might relate to the data
confidentiality issues relating to the data
relevant style manuals
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
General