National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AD1 Undertake analysis and interpretation

AD1.1 Confirm requirements for analysis and interpretation

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. accurately identifying requirements for analysis and interpretation
2. analysing and assessing the accuracy, currency and completeness of data and identifying any additional data and material requirements
3. where appropriate, obtaining additional data and material from relevant sources
4. selecting, proposing and agreeing appropriate methods for analysis and interpretation
5. estimating resource requirements for analysis and interpretation using agreed methods
6. presenting proposals for analysis and interpretation to interested parties in a format to assist decision making and in accordance with organisational procedures

Occupational Context

1. Analysis and interpretation (may apply to):
   • data sets
   • documents and records
   • finds and artefacts
   • sites
   • structures
   • landscapes
2. Relevant sources
   • original source
   • associated research
   • commissioned research
3. Methods
   • statistical
   • comparative
   • scientific (e.g. chemical analysis, dating techniques)
   • visual
4. Resource requirements
   • data
   • personnel
   • finance
   • equipment
   • accommodation
   • time

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Carry out analysis and interpretation

You need to know about:

• Data protocols
• Types of analysis and interpretation
• Types of method

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

Evidence Required

You must provide evidence proving that you understand the procedures for confirming requirements for analysis and interpretation.

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore how they:

• identify requirements for data, data accuracy and data outputs for different surveys
• analyse and assess the accuracy, currency and completeness of existing materials and identify additional data requirements
• having investigated the site, appraise and record potential survey requirements
• develop and agreed with the client a clear and accurate method statement, programme budget and specification of data outputs and format for the survey
• obtain necessary permissions to carry out the survey
• identify and implement project quality assurance and safety requirements
• plan and schedule the site survey
• take expert advice where necessary

Evidence Rules

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

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Today's date: 21/11/2008
This page last updated: 27/7/2007 15:17