Pääkysymykset

Pääkysymykset is a Finnish term used to denote the central or main questions that define the scope of an inquiry, study, or discussion. The word is a compound of pää (main, chief) and kysymys (question); the plural form is pääkysymykset. In Finnish academic and professional writing the term commonly appears in problem statements, research designs, and interview guides to identify the core aims.

In research design, pääkysymykset outline the essential questions the study seeks to answer. They help delimit scope, determine what data to collect, and guide methodological choices. Pääkysymykset are often complemented by secondary or sub-questions that explore specific aspects in more detail, allowing researchers to structure analysis without losing sight of the main objective.

The concept is also used outside academia, such as in journalism, policy analysis, and project planning, where identifying the pääkysymykset ensures that discussions and evaluations cover the most important topics. When preparing interviews or surveys, listing these main questions helps ensure that the most relevant information is captured, while follow-up questions can address nuances or exceptions.

Examples of use include a study on climate policy, where the pääkysymykset might focus on the causal factors of emissions and the effectiveness of instruments, with sub-questions examining sectoral differences, time horizons, and equity considerations. The term is widely understood in Finnish research and professional discourse and is often translated as “main questions” or “core questions” in English-language writing.