Correction and Retraction Policy

Correction and Retraction

 

Commitment to Accuracy and Publication Integrity

The Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies (JESCS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that correcting the scholarly literature is an essential responsibility of ethical publishing. When errors, inaccuracies, or concerns affecting a published article are identified, JESCS will assess the matter carefully and take appropriate action in accordance with recognized publication ethics principles and the journal's editorial policies.

Corrections and retractions will be handled fairly, transparently, and promptly, with due consideration given to the reliability of the published findings and the interests of readers, authors, researchers, and the wider scholarly community.

Corrections to Published Articles

A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and the error requires formal amendment to ensure the accuracy or clarity of the scholarly record. Such errors may include incorrect author information, affiliations, acknowledgments, funding details, references, figures, tables, data presentation, or other content that does not substantially invalidate the article's principal findings or conclusions.

Authors who identify an error in their published work are encouraged to notify the JESCS editorial office as soon as possible. Readers, reviewers, and other stakeholders may also report suspected errors by providing a clear explanation and supporting evidence, where available.

The editorial team will evaluate the nature and significance of the reported error and determine whether a correction is necessary. Where appropriate, the journal may consult the authors, reviewers, or independent subject-matter experts before reaching a decision. Any approved correction will clearly identify the affected article, describe the nature of the error, and explain the necessary amendment. The original article will remain accessible, with an appropriate link or notice connecting it to the correction, whenever practicable.

Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the meaning, interpretation, or reliability of the article may not require a formal correction notice. The decision to publish a correction will depend on the significance of the error and its potential impact on readers' understanding of the published work.

Retraction of Published Articles

Retraction is a formal mechanism used to correct the scholarly record when a published article is found to be unreliable or when serious ethical or publication concerns warrant its withdrawal from the accepted body of scholarly literature. JESCS may consider retracting an article when there is clear evidence of significant problems that undermine its validity, integrity, or ethical acceptability.

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

• Evidence of fabrication or falsification of research data or results.
• Plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of another person's work.
• Serious errors in research design, methodology, analysis, or interpretation that invalidate the principal findings or conclusions.
• Duplicate or redundant publication that materially compromises the originality or integrity of the scholarly record.
• Unauthorized use of data, research materials, images, or other content.
• Serious violations of research ethics, including the absence of required ethical approval or informed consent where applicable.
• Manipulation of the peer-review or publication process.
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest or other forms of misconduct that materially compromise the credibility of the research.
• Other substantiated circumstances demonstrating that the article's findings or publication integrity cannot be relied upon.

Retraction will not be used merely because authors disagree with one another, because findings are controversial, or because subsequent research challenges an article's conclusions. The decision will be based on the available evidence, the seriousness of the concern, and the need to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

Procedure for Correction and Retraction

When a potential need for correction or retraction is identified, JESCS will undertake an appropriate editorial assessment. The procedure may include the following steps:

1. Receipt and preliminary assessment: The editorial team reviews the reported concern and determines whether further examination is warranted.

2. Evidence gathering: Relevant documents, research data, publication records, and other supporting materials may be examined. The journal may seek clarification from the authors or consult independent experts.

3. Author notification and response: The corresponding author and, where appropriate, other affected authors will normally be informed of the concern and given a reasonable opportunity to respond.

4. Consultation with relevant parties: When necessary, JESCS may contact the authors' affiliated institutions, research ethics committees, funders, or other appropriate bodies to obtain additional information.

5. Editorial decision: Based on the available evidence, the journal will determine whether no further action, a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction is appropriate.

6. Publication of an editorial notice: Where corrective action is required, the journal will publish a clear and appropriately documented notice explaining the decision and its basis, subject to applicable confidentiality and legal requirements.

The journal will endeavor to complete these procedures in a timely manner while ensuring fairness, impartiality, and sufficient consideration of the evidence. If an investigation remains unresolved but credible concerns exist regarding the reliability of an article, JESCS may publish an expression of concern pending further clarification.

Retraction Notices and Accessibility

A retraction notice will clearly identify the retracted article and explain the principal reasons for retraction. Where appropriate and legally permissible, the notice will identify whether the retraction was initiated by the authors, the journal, or another relevant party. The notice will be linked to the original publication to ensure that readers can readily understand the article's status.

Retracted articles will generally remain accessible for the purpose of preserving the scholarly record, but they will be clearly marked as retracted in the article's online version and associated publication records, where technically practicable. The retraction notice will be published separately and linked to the original article. JESCS will take reasonable steps to ensure that the article's retracted status is communicated clearly to readers and relevant indexing or archiving services, where applicable.

Responsibilities of Authors and Editors

Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of their published work. If they discover a significant error or become aware of credible evidence that their article may be unreliable, they should promptly inform the editorial office and cooperate with the journal's assessment. Authors may request a correction or retraction and should provide a clear explanation and supporting documentation.

Editors are responsible for evaluating reported concerns objectively and making decisions based on the available evidence, established publication ethics principles, and the journal's policies. Editorial decisions will not be influenced by an author's institutional affiliation, professional status, personal relationships, or the potential impact of a correction or retraction on the journal's reputation.

If the authors disagree with a proposed correction or retraction, the journal will consider their explanations and relevant evidence before making a decision. Where a serious concern remains unresolved, JESCS may proceed with an appropriate editorial notice based on the evidence available and the journal's ethical responsibilities.

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Authors who believe that a correction or retraction decision was made on the basis of incomplete evidence, procedural irregularities, or a demonstrable error may submit a reasoned appeal to the editorial office. Appeals should identify the grounds for reconsideration and include relevant supporting information. The appeal will be reviewed impartially, and independent advice may be sought where appropriate.

The submission of an appeal does not automatically suspend an editorial action when immediate clarification is necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record. JESCS will communicate its decision and the principal reasons for it to the relevant parties.

Transparency, Confidentiality, and Ethical Considerations

JESCS will handle correction and retraction cases with due regard for confidentiality, procedural fairness, and the rights of all parties involved. Information will be disclosed only as necessary to assess the concern, communicate an editorial decision, or meet applicable ethical and legal obligations. The journal will avoid making premature public judgments about alleged misconduct and will distinguish between confirmed findings, unresolved concerns, and allegations that have not been substantiated.

All corrective actions will be proportionate to the nature and seriousness of the identified problem. The journal will seek to avoid unnecessary harm to authors while prioritizing the accuracy and reliability of the scholarly record.

Commitment to Maintaining the Scholarly Record

JESCS considers correction and retraction essential safeguards for responsible scholarly publishing. By addressing errors transparently, investigating credible concerns, and issuing appropriate editorial notices, the journal seeks to maintain reader confidence, support research reproducibility, and uphold the principles of academic integrity.

These procedures apply to all articles published in JESCS, including research and scholarly contributions in education, social sciences, communication studies, and related interdisciplinary fields. They will be implemented consistently and responsibly, with reference to recognized publication ethics guidance, including applicable recommendations from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), where relevant.

Through these measures, the Journal of Education, Social & Communication Studies (JESCS) reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that published research remains as accurate, transparent, and trustworthy as possible and that the scholarly record is corrected whenever reliable evidence demonstrates that corrective action is necessary.