National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AC4 Conduct intrusive investigations

AC4.3 Assess and present investigation data

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. verifying that data collected during investigation is sufficient for analytical purposes and is collated accurately
2. checking and verifying investigation data for accuracy and integrity
3. processing investigation data accurately and presenting it in a format that will assist in making a balanced interpretation
4. seeking additional data and specialist advice where essential for accurate assessment and interpretation of investigation findings
5. ensuring that data outputs and supporting information comply with the requirements of the method statement, are accurate and are presented clearly in an agreed format, suitable for those who will wish to use them
6. prepare report containing interpretation, diagnosis and advice, based on investigation data to interested parties

Occupational Context

1. Investigation data:
   • finds
   • samples
   • measurement data
   • visual records
   • written records
   • interpretive data
2. Sources of specialist advice:
   • finds specialists
   • environmental specialists
   • period specialists
   • archaeological conservators
3. Interested parties:
   • site personnel
   • client
   • the professional and academic community
   • owners / occupiers
   • community and special interest groups
   • regulatory authorities

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Identify data sources and select and collate data
• Apply valid methods to verify investigation data
• Process, format and present investigation data suitable for end use
• Advise users on the interpretation of investigation
• Prepare investigation reports
• Liaise with specialists and integrate specialist information in reports

You need to know about:

• Types of investigation data
• Types of data analysis
• Data presentation formats
• Limitations of data

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• How to present investigation data

Evidence Required

You should provide evidence that you can undertake intrusive investigations

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore the following

• investigation data
• investigation data presented including:
• specialist advice sought to aid analysis and interpretation
• commentary and supporting information presented
• advice given on the interpretation of investigation data

Evidence Rules

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

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Today's date: 3/9/2010
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58