PURPOSE
The Research credential documents the essential competencies for basic research strategies, design, procedures, presentation of findings, and report writing.
AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for any professional involved in designing and conducting research including market research analysts, survey researchers, business and industrial operations research analysts, social and behavioral scientists and assistants, medical scientists and research assistants, biological and other scientists and research assistants, agricultural and food scientists, and many other areas of science, medicine, behavior, and business that design and conduct research.
JOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
Research professionals must understand the basic goals and approaches to research as well as the fundamental concepts used in designing sound, valid, and reliable studies. They must understand the various ways in which a research study can be designed and select the best design for the specific situation including qualitative quantitative, indirect, survey, and other types of research designs. They must also know how to professionally and effectively communicate study findings and observations in written and verbal forms. Finally, those involved in research must understand the ethical principles that must be followed.
RESEARCH WORKPLACE TASKS:
- Researchers and research assistants design studies using methods and strategies appropriate for the type of data and goals of the study.
- Researchers and research assistants must be able to evaluate study design to determine if a study is ethical and if data is reliable, accurate, and valid.
- Researchers and research assistants must be able to collect a variety of types of data including quantitative data, qualitative data, indirect data, survey data, etc.
- Researchers and research assistants must be able to organize findings and observations appropriately and present the information in presentation, visual, and written forms appropriate for the specific industry.
- Students at all levels and in most fields of study must design and conduct research studies, collect and analyze data, and present findings to classmates and instructors.
EXAM STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Number of Questions in Exam: 50
Total Time: 50 minutes
Overall Passing Score: 70%
(All sections require an individual passing score of 70%)
