Analyysi

Analyysi is the systematic examination of a complex whole by breaking it into its parts to understand structure, function, causes, and meaning. The term derives from the Greek word analysis, meaning a breaking up or loosening, and has been adopted into Finnish and many other languages to denote careful investigation and interpretation.

As a mathematical discipline, analysis studies limits, continuity, and convergence; major subfields include real analysis, complex analysis, functional analysis, and numerical analysis.

In empirical and applied contexts, analysis encompasses statistical analysis, data analysis, and qualitative analysis to interpret observations, test hypotheses, and model relationships. In the humanities, textual analysis and critical analysis examine ideas, language, and form.

In practice, analysis proceeds from defining a question, collecting and preparing data, selecting methods, conducting the analysis, and interpreting results. Common tools include statistics, formal proofs, coding, and qualitative coding. Limitations arise from data quality, model assumptions, and potential bias. In Finnish usage, analyysi refers to the process; analysoida means to analyze.