The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

formulating a research proposal or plan which includes:

specific research questions or hypotheses

valid population or sample size

description of the geographical, cultural, social or institutional context within which the research will be carried out

full description of the data collection methods

analysis of the limitations to research design

designing an applied research project using appropriate tools and techniques

research report with analysis of data, and valid and reliable findings

utility and relevance of the research results

knowledge of applied research techniques.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

research activity relates to an actual workplace or simulated context and topic

competence is consistently demonstrated over time, over a range of applied topics, and using a range of tools and techniques appropriate to the given situations and research topic.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

applied projects or assessment activities relating to conducting applied research

observation of contextual application of skills

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of applied research.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

BSBITB701A Implement advanced electronic technologies

BSBLED702A Lead learning strategy implementation

BSBLED703A Implement improved learning practice

BSBLED704A Review enterprise e-learning systems and solutions implementation

BSBLED709A Identify and communicate trends in career development.

Required skills

communication and teamwork skills to:

analyse and interpret structurally intricate information in the area being researched

consult with target groups using a range of communication techniques

develop written texts which deal with complex ideas and concepts

present research results creatively to meet audience needs

initiative and enterprise skills to discover and source appropriate information, and to identify future implication of information and data collected

planning and organising skills to:

construct an applied research strategy

initiate and design research methodology

manage an applied research project

frame research strategy in consideration of available resources

problem-solving skills to:

develop and examine the validity of the hypothesis using a range of applied research techniques

collect, organise, analyse and present data

analyse research

check the integrity of data collected

conduct trend analyses

self-management and learning skills to:

manage own time and determine priorities

review and adhere to relevant ethics and codes of conduct

store data to maintain privacy and confidentiality of information

conduct research to develop capabilities and learning related activities

technical skills to:

select suitable technology and technical services

use a range of software programs

use technology and the internet to discover, access, collect and store data, information and research in a systematic manner.

Required knowledge

communication processes and methods

data collection methods

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to handling or storing data, including privacy and freedom of information

presentation techniques

reporting methods

research ethics and codes of conduct

research tools and methods

selection of appropriate applied research techniques.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Applied research purpose may be contained in documents such as:

agreements

research brief

research contracts

research guidelines

research statement

Target group may include:

age cohort

career choices

cultural background and needs

diversity

employees

employment status or role

end users

learners/students

learning styles and preferences

level of education achieved

literacy and numeracy skills

location

occupational health and safety

predetermined service user group

skill or competency profile

socioeconomic background

Applied research strategy may cover:

analysis of industry specific trends, statistics and issues

collection of data to assist informed decision making, planning or risk management

data and information relating to strategy, policy, practices, or work processes developed and implemented by an organisation

formation of solutions to complex problems

information and analysis needed to develop a campaign, strategic plan, industry or sector plan and strategy, or to bargain effectively with employers

information and analysis to conduct a strategic or community campaign or activity

relationship or relevance of a theory, principle or practice to an immediate practical problem, issue or to test a proposed solution

Factors affecting reliability and validity may include:

sample size

type or survey used (e.g. comparing types and methods to increase validity)

capacity to generalise findings across the whole population

access appropriate population

Hypothesis is:

conceptual or operational proposition or explanation that will be tested through the conduct of the applied research

Tools may be:

designed for electronic or physical presentation

involve a range of technologies (online or computer-based)

Resources may include:

components required

design specifications

infrastructure

monetary

physical

technical manuals

samples

Applied research methods and theories may cover:

methods such as:

action research

case study

classification

experience and intuition

experiments

interviews

map making

mathematical models and simulations

participant observation

physical traces analysis

semiotics

surveys

statistical data analysis

statistical surveys

ethnographic research

content, textual analysis, theories and techniques, which will vary upon consideration of:

application of statistical methods

causal factors and dependant or independent variables

critical analysis

experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental

mathematical calculations

problem solving

qualitative or quantitative research

sampling and sample size

Data collection techniques may include:

collaboration with other experts or mentors

desk research

document research

field study

observation

physical items analysis

interviews

questionnaires

surveys

Suitable technology may include:

communication technology and networks

databases and the use of spreadsheets, graphs, trend and time series, and mathematical equations

hardware and software

Appropriate sources of information may include:

archives

community organisations

computer data, including internet

discussions with current industry practitioners

discussions with industry personnel, manufacturers, and technical and sales personnel

government departments

industry associations and organisations

industry journals

libraries (such as text, film, video, sound, graphic)

media (such as film, television, radio, newspapers, multimedia)

media archives

museums, galleries

organisational policies, procedures and journals

personal observations and experience

professional organisations

reference books

technical publications, manuals

Contributors may include:

individuals and groups both inside and outside the organisation who have some direct interest or expertise in relation to the applied research or who provide data

Relevance of the research may be based on:

available time and resources

feasibility of implementing the recommendations

findings of previous and current research

original research parameters and brief

quality and credibility of the methodology

value of its usefulness

value of the information and data

Legal requirements may include:

agreements with third parties that supply research or data

competency standards

contracts

copyright and privacy laws relating to physical materials and electronic technology

licensing

plagiarism

privacy

relevant commonwealth and state/territory legislation, policy, codes of practice and national standards

security of information

Presenting research findings may include:

circulating publications for comment and critique on the internet

contributing to strategic policy

drafting publications or reports

presentations at seminars and conferences

providing data, plans, specifications and reports resulting in changed work practice/s or design/s

providing internal reports verbally, in writing or via presentations

publishing papers and articles for expert review and audiences

publishing reports and articles for lay audiences