Tiedonhaustin

Tiedonhaustin is a Finnish term used in information science and education to describe the process of information seeking and retrieval—locating, evaluating, and using information to answer a question or solve a problem. The concept encompasses developing a clear information need, planning a search strategy, selecting relevant sources, extracting pertinent data, and synthesizing findings. It emphasizes information literacy, critical thinking, and ethical use of sources, including proper citation and awareness of bias.

In usage, tiedonhaustin is closely related to tiedonhaku (information search) and tiedonhankinta (information acquisition). It is commonly encountered in school assignments, university research, and library practice, where students are taught to iteratively refine queries, assess source credibility, and manage references with digital tools.

Methods and tools associated with tiedonhaustin include search engines, bibliographic databases, catalogs, archives, and grey literature; reference management software; and note-taking and synthesis workflows. The approach often involves iterative cycles of open-ended inquiry and focused searching to build a comprehensive picture of a topic.

Variations and context: the term may appear in Finnish curricula as a description of information literacy tasks, though in some contexts tiedonhaku is preferred. The concept adapts to digital environments with emphasis on evaluation of online sources, data privacy, and intellectual property.

History and usage: tiedonhaustin reflects broader information literacy movements and the proliferation of digital information, with exact usage varying by institution and educational tradition. It functions as a practical framework for teaching and performing research-oriented tasks.