Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.
Research issue must have an industry or sectoral focus and may include:
new product or process development
change management technique or strategy
marketing initiative
review of current processes and practices
potential industry application and impact of new technology or processes.
Research methodologies may include:
qualitative or quantitative research strategies
pre-existing research instruments
naturalistic methodologies
action research.
Hypotheses may include:
an existing belief that requires confirmation through research
statement of anticipated outcome.
Suitable sources of literature may include:
available electronic databases
interest research
library research
industry associations
industry publications
conference proceedings
experts
workplace documentation.
Ethical requirements may include:
consultation with an ethics committee
cultural practices and considerations
impact on the individual
impact on a community
animal welfare
environmental practices.
Environmental sustainability issues may include:
waste minimisation
use and reuse of resources
environmental risk analysis
impact of outcomes of research (e.g. on waste reduction, increases in energy and resource efficiencies, and recycling).
Record findings may include:
using electronic databases
recording and transcribing interviews
coding responses and findings.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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:
comprehensive literature review
formulate 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
design appropriate tools and techniques
research report with analysis of data, and valid and reliable findings
utility and relevance of the research results.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
research activity relates to an actual workplace or industry context and topic
competence is demonstrated 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:
completed literature review
projects or assessment activities relating to conducting research
observation of contextual application of skills
peer reviewed research report.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example, with other units in the qualification in which this unit is packaged.