Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:28 AM AWST

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Interrogate and analyse statistical data

Interrogate and analyse statistical data

Unit of competency
National Code
PSPGOV523A
State Code
C8053
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
3.00
Current Release Date
01/11/2012
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
26/08/2014
Field of Education
010103 - Statistics
Original Release Date
26/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to apply techniques to analyse statistical data. It includes planning the analysis, applying statistical concepts and processes, determining strengths and weaknesses of the analysis and producing further statistics. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Plan analysis
  • 1.1 Analysis and descriptive tools and techniques are chosen appropriate to the nature of the information and the required outcome/s.
  • 1.2 Priority of data to be interrogated is determined in consultation with relevant suitably qualified people, and work is organised accordingly.
  • 1.3 An understanding of the nature of the program or activity from which the data is obtained is reflected in the analysis of material.
  • 1.4 An understanding of the way in which the data is structured in the system is reflected in the analysis.
  • 1.5 The likely statistical indicators of the results are reflected in the analysis.
2. Apply statistical concepts and processes
  • 2.1 Software is used to retrieve data and present it in the required format.
  • 2.2 Quantitative and/or qualitative analyses are performed to obtain required outcomes.
  • 2.3 Analysis and descriptive tools and techniques are used appropriately given the nature of the information and the required outcomes.
  • 2.4 Preliminary results are expressed in accordance with the required detail, format and timeframe of the project.
  • 2.5 Analysis is performed in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.
3. Determine strengths and weaknesses of analysis
  • 3.1 Sources of error are identified and described as required.
  • 3.2 Limitations in the methodology are identified and described as appropriate.
  • 3.3 The conduct and results of analysis are verified by a suitably qualified person.
4. Produce further statistics
  • 4.1 Summary statistics are calculated from the given dataset as required in accordance with organisational requirements.
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.
Analysis techniques may include:
re-coding data into a form appropriate for analysis
construction of graphs
calculation of summary statistics
implementation of statistical tests
Software may include:
Geographic Information System (GIS)
spreadsheet tools
Legislation, policy and guidelines may include:
State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation and regulations such as:
public sector management acts
financial management acts
privacy legislation
equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation
occupational health and safety legislation
ethics and accountability standards
public sector standards
risk management standards
fraud control standards
government security standards
knowledge management standards
organisational policy, procedures and protocols
Sources of error may include:
error due to sampling variation
error due to non-response or poor survey design
measurement error
Summary statistics may include:
mean
median
mode
standard deviation
standard error
relative standard error
history summaries
trend summaries
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in interrogating and analysing statistical data.
This will include evidence of:
interrogating and analysing at least three actual or simulated statistical data collections, on three separate occasions or for three different situations/contexts
adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to statistical data interrogation and analysis
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while conducting investigations, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.
Access is required to resources such as:
applicable legislation, policies and procedures
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered
technology and statistical tools
Method of assessment
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this unit of competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
written or oral questions
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
Guidance information for assessment
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
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
AWV43 PSPGEN064 Interrogate and analyse statistical data Unit of competency