National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC1 Research and analyse information for archaeological purposes

AC1.2 Collect information to achieve research objectives

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. collecting information in line with the research aims
2. applying information collection methods correctly and consistently
3. where appropriate, validating the authenticity and source of the information
4. complying with organisational and legal requirements in the collection of data
5. recording and referencing information accurately and clearly in an appropriate format
6. observing appropriate procedures regarding the confidentially of data, intellectual property rights and relevant codes of conduct

Occupational Context

1. Methods may include:
   • non-intrusive field techniques
   • intrusive field techniques
   • laboratory analysis
   • documentary research
   • statistical analysis
   • questionnaires
   • bibliographic research
   • artefact analysis

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Obtain different types of information
• Verify the authenticity of information
• Validate the source of the information
• Record information, and what formats to use

You need to know about:

• How different types of information relate to the research aims
• Copyright (a broad understanding) and other relevant legislation

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• How to retrieve information from published sources
• How to retrieve information from sites
• How to retrieve information from items and artefacts

Evidence Required

You must provide performance evidence proving that you can collect information to achieve research objectives. The sources of information must include libraries, databases, people and publications, and the forms of information must include computerised, written and spoken. The methodology must include the investigation of primary or secondary sources or a combination of both.

Information could be gained from surveys, excavations, interviews, libraries, archives, museums, etc.

This would be supplemented with a significant degree of questioning to demonstrate that the knowledge areas are fully covered.

Evidence Rules

• The candidate should have been involved in at least 2 research projects

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Today's date: 8/9/2008
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58