Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

2

PSP04V4.2

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency.

Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for competent performance. Text in bold italics  is explained in the Range Statement following.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 . Prepare for data collection 

1.1 The project/survey question is studied and where necessary clarified.

1.2 Expected data outputs  are defined in accordance with the project scope.

1.3 Proposed technology is familiarised and customised where necessary.

1.4 The population for the source of data is confirmed.

1.5 The survey design (if necessary) is assessed for suitability.

2 . Define data requirements 

2.1 The accuracy requirements (precision) of the data to be collected are determined.

2.2 The requirements of proposed information management system with regard to storage and processing of data are defined.

2.3 Information requirements are defined and communicated to all staff involved in data collection.

2.4 Data sources  are identified and assessed for accessibility and reliability

2.5 The type and extent of data required is defined.

2.6 Classification standards  are applied to the proposed data.

3 . Prepare data collection tools for direct collection 

3.1 Data collection methods and techniques are clearly defined relative to data requirements.

3.2 The optimum method for gathering the proposed data is identified after research of alternatives has occurred.

3.3 The survey vehicle /questionnaire is designed in conjunction with a suitably qualified person.

3.4 The survey vehicle is tested and evaluated.

4 . Conduct data collection using direct collection 

4.1 The proposed sampling  frame is identified and/or constructed.

4.2 A sample is selected and a pilot study implemented.

4.3 Re-evaluation of the proposed survey design is undertaken based on the results of the pilot study.

4.4 The main survey is conducted according to accepted professional and/or organisational standards.

4.5 Opportunities are taken to establish and maintain contacts with those who may provide useful information, with due consideration of respondent burden.

5 . Conduct data collection from existing source /s 

5.1 Data for the project is sourced.

5.2 A range of statistics necessary for the project is identified in conjunction with a suitably qualified person.

5.3 Sources of information are regularly reviewed for usefulness, reliability and cost.

5.4 Channels and sources of information are used effectively in accordance with organisational standards.

6 . Collate and organise information /data 

6.1 Statistics are identified to support the project question.

6.2 Data is researched and/or collated from sources in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines. 

6.3 Data is collated electronically.

6.4 The accuracy and appropriateness of data are evaluated.

6.5 Data is recorded in the desired format in accordance with professional, organisational and project requirements.

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 data collection
• deciding which survey method to use
• designing questionnaires
• using a range of communication methods including consultation, establishing and maintaining contacts
• reading information and data requirements
• writing survey questions that are unambiguous and reflect intended meaning
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of statistical data collection

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to statistical data collection
• legislation and policies governing privacy and confidentiality
• the advantages and disadvantages of different data sources
• the differences between census and survey data
• the importance of identifying a good frame
• the quality of the statistics and for what purpose the data can be used
• the limitations of the statistics used
• different data collection methodologies and how they affect results
• data collection and sampling methodologies
• the effects of non-response on survey estimates
• the impact of types of errors
• national and international classification standards
• information management systems
• equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of statistical data collection

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
• PSPGOV522A Process statistical data
• PSPGOV523A Interrogate and analyse statistical data
• PSPGOV524A Interpret data and related statistics
• PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPPM502B Manage complex projects

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
• collection of statistical data 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 the collection of statistical data
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when collecting statistical data

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 collecting statistical data, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• collection of statistical data in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time) where contexts may include data collection via both primary and secondary sources.

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
• 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 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.

Expected data outputs  may include:

• variable names
• attributes

Data sources  may include:

• Australian Bureau of Statistics data
• government agency sources

Classification standards  may include:

• national and international definitions for collating and coding information

Survey vehicle  may include:

• opinion polls
• mail-out questionnaires
• computer-aided telephone interviewing (CATI)
• face-to-face interviews

Sampling methods  may include:

• simple random sampling
• systematic sampling
• multi stage sampling

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