Kyselyaika

Kyselyaika is a Finnish term that refers to the time window during which a survey or poll is conducted and data is collected. The word is formed from kysely (survey, poll) and aika (time). In research design, the kyselyaika defines the data collection period, specifying start and end dates. The length depends on study design, sampling method, and logistical constraints, and it can affect response rate, sample representativeness, and data quality.

Short kyselyaika may reduce time-related biases but increase nonresponse if outreach is limited; long kyselyaika can improve response rates but introduces the risk of changing circumstances influencing responses. In practice, researchers and organizations report the kyselyaika in methods sections or reports, sometimes with a justification for the chosen duration. For online surveys, the window is often a few days to a few weeks; for large-scale polls, it may span the recruitment period plus data verification.

In public consultation processes, the term may indicate the period during which stakeholders can submit comments. Related concepts include kysely (survey), tiedonkeruu (data collection), otanta (sampling), vaste (response), and edustavuus (representativeness). Kyselyaika is distinct from the analysis phase, which begins after data collection closes.