ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Interpret a graph or table

1.1 Reports based on the data are written which identify relevant relationships within the data.

1.2 Row and column percentages are calculated from a table.

1.3 A table/graph is interpreted in accordance with data reflected.

2. Interpret data and its summarised highlights

2.1 Data summaries and trends are defined and explained in a manner suited to the audience.

2.2 Survey data is interpreted according to accepted standards.

2.3 Data is interpreted and its highlights are summarised.

2.4 Interpretation is verified with a suitably qualified person.

3. Interpret a range of official statistics in a policy environment

3.1 Data summaries and trends are identified and explained.

3.2 Statistical tests are interpreted and this interpretation explained.

3.3 The sampling method/survey design is critiqued.

3.4 Interpretation of the data is undertaken in such a way as to inform decision making.

3.5 Interpretation is verified with a suitably qualified person.

3.6 The shortcomings of statistical applications in the policy environment are identified.

4. Present statistical results

4.1 Data is presented in tables, charts and maps so that the reader does not misconstrue it.

4.2 Glossaries, technical notes and referencing are included where required.

4.3 Reports that include statistical concepts, tables, charts and maps are prepared and presented in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

4.4 Findings are presented in a way that is most appropriate for the audience.

4.5 Charts are used appropriately in presentations for the variables being charted and conform to accepted standards.

5. Guide others in the interpretation of data

5.1 Data summaries and trends are clearly defined and communicated to staff involved in the project.

5.2 Report findings are presented in a way that is most appropriate for the audience.

5.3 The assumptions on which the interpretation is based are communicated in accordance with audience needs.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

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

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of statistical interpretation

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, 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

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of statistical work

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:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage

PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis

PSPGOV520A Scope statistical data collection

PSPGOV521A Collect statistical data

PSPGOV522A Process statistical data

PSPGOV523A Interrogate and analyse statistical data

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

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 Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

interpretation of data and related statistics in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to interpretation of statistics

tools/equipment for interpreting and explaining statistics

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when undertaking statistical interpretation

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 interpreting data and related statistics, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

interpretation of data and related statistics in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

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

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

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/or apply the competency in different situations or environments

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.

Accepted standards for survey data may include:

showing awareness of data accuracy and reliability

identifying other related issues, such as sample size

Statistical tests include:

equivalence of means and proportions

tests of association and prediction

Data presentation may include:

the use of footnotes, caveats and references

Statistical concepts include:

the results of statistical tests

trends over time

statistical associations

variability

sampling error

Presentation of findings may include:

a mix of text, tables, charts, maps etc

Accepted standards for charts may include:

appropriately labelled

appropriate scale selection

clear formatting