National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AD1 Undertake analysis and interpretation

AD1.2 Carry out agreed programme of analysis and interpretation

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. ensuring that analysis and interpretation is conducted efficiently and systematically and in accordance with the method statement
2. adapting procedures and practices appropriately to allow for different circumstances and conditions
3. ensuring that observations and measurements are accurate and fully meet data requirements
4. consulting expert advice in instances where additional, specialist information is required which is relevant to analysis and interpretation
5. advising interested parties promptly of potentially critical findings and constraints arising during the programme
6. identifying and recording data and material which may require more detailed investigation
7. clearly and accurately recording data and storing it securely

Occupational Context

1. Analysis and interpretation (may apply to):
   • data sets
   • documents and records
   • finds and artefacts
   • sites
   • structures
   • landscapes
2. Methods
   • statistical
   • comparative
   • scientific (e.g. chemical analysis, dating techniques)
   • visual
3. Interested parties
   • team members
   • client (who may be internal or external)
   • funding body
   • specialists
   • statutory authorities

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know and understand how to:

• Conduct analysis and interpretation
• Obtain specialist information and advice
• Observe and measure accurately
• Adapt analysis and interpretation procedures and practices to suit different conditions
• Record and store analysis and interpretation data

You need to know about:

• Types and modes of analysis and interpretation
• Sources of expert advice and specialist information
• Circumstances and conditions which can affect analysis and interpretation activities
• Data protocols used in different analysis and interpretation methods

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• How to carry out analysis and interpretation
• How to maintain the integrity of data and material
• How to identify and follow safe working practices
• How to observe, measure and record accurately
• How to adapt analysis and interpretation procedures and practices to suit different conditions

Evidence Required

You must provide performance evidence proving that you understand the procedures for carrying out an agreed programme of analysis and interpretation.

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore their approach to analysis and interpretation

Evidence Rules

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

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Today's date: 31/7/2010
This page last updated: 27/7/2007 16:17