faktatieto

Faktatieto is a Finnish-language term used to describe information that is verifiable and supported by evidence. In media, science, and education, faktatieto denotes statements or data that can be checked against reliable sources, such as official statistics, primary documents, or peer‑reviewed research. The concept emphasizes accuracy and accountability, and it is often invoked in contrast to opinion, interpretation, or speculation.

Etymology and usage: The compound faktatieto comes from fakta, meaning fact, and tieto, meaning information or knowledge, in Finnish. It appears in discussions about information quality, media literacy, and data governance, where professionals seek to distinguish objective facts from subjective commentary.

Principles: Core principles include verifiability, traceable sources, clear definitions, and timeliness. Good practice involves citing sources, describing methods, and acknowledging uncertainty when present.

Limitations: Facts exist within contexts and are often subject to methodological choices, measurement error, and evolving knowledge. What counts as a fact can change with new evidence, definitions, or standards. Faktatieto does not absolve interpretation but separates factual claims from value judgments.

Relation to misinformation: When applied rigorously, faktatieto supports accuracy and trust; inadequate sourcing or selective reporting can undermine it.

See also: Fact, Data, Verification, Information literacy, Fact-checking, Misinformation.

Further reading: Resources on information literacy and fact verification in Finnish media and science.