Overview

This standard is about identifying information and people in order to fulfil the research brief for a production.  This could be locating contributors or undertaking additional, in-depth research into a period of history or a location.

It is about keeping contact lists updated, and finding suitable people who can assist in the process.  It involves collating and assessing information from various sources, and ensuring that legal, compliance and copyright considerations are taken into account. 

It is also about presenting research findings clearly to decision-makers.

This standard is for those involved in researching productions.

 

Performance Criteria 

You must be able to:

 

  1. identify sources of information relevant to research briefs
  2. establish contact with relevant people to identify their potential input, taking legal, ethical, equality and diversity considerations into account
  3. gather information from written or online sources
  4. work within relevant codes and regulations
  5. maintain records of information sources, updating contact lists and retaining copies of previous contact lists
  6. devise questions based on research and findings
  7. select and use methods of questioning to elicit required information
  8. check and confirm what additional information is required and where it can be found
  9. check any inconsistent or contradictory information with sources
  10. evaluate the information gathered for its suitability, selecting material which will best realise research briefs
  11. verify sources and contributors for productions in line with organisational requirements
  12. present an accurate summary of your findings to decision makers
  13. present findings in agreed format and within stated deadlines

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:  

  1. the different types of research resources available, and which are suitable, for particular productions
  2. the commercial, legal, ethical, equality and diversity considerations that apply when contacting people
  3. codes of practice and other regulations that apply
  4. who to contact for information
  5. how to store accessible and comprehensive records of contacts
  6. legislation and regulations covering Data Protection
  7. how to approach potential sources of information and make initial contact
  8. methods of questioning
  9. how to check sources for their validity and accuracy
  10. how to create and maintain notes and records of findings
  11. how to establish what additional information is required and how to obtain it
  12. how to verify sources and contributors for a production
  13. the formats and deadlines for presenting findings
  14. who to present findings to and what information they need to know
  15. how to present findings in line with production requirements
  16. what factors to take into account when assessing the suitability of information