Tutkittavat

Tutkittavat is a Finnish term that refers to the things, topics, or subjects that are intended to be studied or investigated. In academic and research contexts, tutkittavat denotes the elements that form the scope of analysis, such as variables, phenomena, or issues selected for examination. The word is commonly used to specify what will be explored in a study or project.

Formation and grammar: Tutkittavat is the plural form of the participial adjective tutkittava, which comes from the verb tutkia meaning to investigate. The suffix -ttava creates an adjective meaning investiga-ble or study-worthy, and the plural ending -vat marks the subject in many Finnish constructions. In practice, tutkittavat is often paired with a noun to form phrases like tutkittavat kohteet (the objects to be studied) or tutkittavat aiheet (the topics to be studied).

Usage: The term appears mainly in methodological sections of research papers, grant proposals, and project plans. It helps researchers delineate the scope of inquiry by listing the tutkittavat in a structured way. It can be contrasted with singular or adjective forms such as tutkittava (investigable or to be studied) when referring to a single item or a general characteristic.

Examples: Tutkittavat kohteet ovat kolmen pääryhmän alaisuudessa. Luvussa esitellään tutkittavat aiheet ja niiden tutkimusmenetelmät.

See also: tutkittava, tutkimus, tutkimuskysymys, tutkimussuunnitelma.