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Title / Use computer technology to research and present a topic
Level / 4 / Credits / 3
Purpose / People credited with this unit standard are able to use computer technology to plan and conduct research on a topic, and present the results of the research.
Classification / Computing > Generic Computing
Available grade / Achieved
Explanatory notes
1The research topic may be selected from an aspect of a candidates work, study or personal interest, or may be a component part of a broader research project. Data may be qualitative, quantitative or a combination but must be analysed and presented using computer technology. Data may be collected from existing sources and/or generated by the candidate, however candidates must apply methods that ensure there is validity and reliability to the data collected e g Triangulation.
2Definitions
Presentation means the creation of presentation materials on a computer, which may include but are not limited to – charts, graphs and other graphics-oriented information; the use of both text and graphics to produce output for use as handouts, overheads and slides as well as sequences that can be viewed on screen.
Principles of information presentation may include but are not limited to – order of presentation of information, clarity, simplicity, accuracy, readability, consistency and appropriateness for target audience, sequence, contrast, repetition and alignment.
3The assessment context for this unit standard must be suitable to meet the criteria for level 4 in the NZQF Level Descriptors, which are available by searching for “level descriptors” at
4Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to the:
Copyright Act 1994;
Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Act 2008;
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992;
Privacy Act 1993;
and any subsequent amendments.
5An assessment resource to support computing unit standards (levels 1 to 4) can be found on the NZQA website at
‘The Computing Process - a clarification document’ contains further information and can be found on the NZQA website.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Plan research on a topic using computer technology.
Evidence requirements
1.1The plan identifies the topic, objectives, methods of delivery, the target audience and scope of the research.
1.2The plan identifies the milestones for the research, the proposed research methods, and the likely sources of information to be used.
1.3The plan identifies ethical issues in terms of how they should be managed within the research process.
Rangemethodology, analysis and presentation, confidentiality.
1.4The plan identifies the computer application(s) to be used for the analysis of data and the presentation of the results in terms of their suitability for the task.
Rangea minimum of two applications – one for analysis and one for presentation must be used.
Outcome 2
Conduct research on a topic using computer technology.
Evidence requirements
2.1Data are accumulated according to the scope of the plan.
2.2Data are analysed using the computer application identified in the plan and conclusions reached are consistent with the analysis of the data.
2.3Milestones are recorded, and progress is reported in accordance with the plan.
Outcome 3
Present the results of research on a topic using computer technology.
Evidence requirements
3.1The presentation is made using the computer application(s) identified in the plan.
3.2The presentation communicates summarised research data and conclusions to the target audience according to the principles of information presentation.
Replacement information / This unit standard was replaced by unit standard 29806.This unit standard is expiring. Assessment against the standard must take place by the last date for assessment set out below.
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process / Version / Date / Last Date for AssessmentRegistration / 1 / 20 December 1995 / 31 December 2013
Revision / 2 / 18 November 1996 / 31 December 2013
Revision / 3 / 28 July 1998 / 31 December 2013
Review / 4 / 30 November 2000 / 31 December 2013
Revision / 5 / 5 July 2002 / 31 December 2013
Revision / 6 / 16 January 2003 / 31 December 2013
Revision / 7 / 16 July 2004 / 31 December 2013
Review / 8 / 19 March 2010 / 31 December 2015
Rollover and Revision / 9 / 19 September 2013 / 31 December 2019
Review / 10 / 19 January 2017 / 31 December 2019
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference / 0226
This CMR can be accessed at
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA, before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors and assessors, and special resource requirements.
NZQA National Qualifications ServicesSSB Code 130301 / New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2018 / / New Zealand Qualifications Aut