Retraction and Correction Policy

Post-Publication Corrections and Retractions Policy

The Journal of Sustainable Research in Humanities (JSRHS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the published scholarly record and to correcting any errors or inaccurate information that may affect the understanding, interpretation, or reliability of published articles. The journal implements this policy in accordance with established principles of publication ethics and internationally recognized practices, including the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

  1. Corrections

The journal may publish a correction when an error is identified in a published article but does not undermine confidence in the article’s main findings or conclusions. Such errors may include, for example:

  • Errors in authors’ names or institutional affiliations.
  • Errors in published tables, figures, or data.
  • Significant editorial or typographical errors.
  • Limited errors in analysis or presentation that can be corrected without affecting the main findings.

A clear correction notice will be published and linked to the original article. The notice will describe the nature of the error and specify the correction made, while preserving the published record and ensuring that the amendment remains traceable.

  1. Retraction

The journal may retract a published article when reliable evidence indicates that the article’s main findings or conclusions are no longer reliable, or when there has been a serious breach of publication ethics.

Circumstances that may warrant retraction include:

  • Unreliable, fabricated, or falsified data.
  • Substantial plagiarism or duplicate publication.
  • Significant manipulation of the peer-review process.
  • Serious ethical violations affecting the research.
  • Substantial infringement of copyright or intellectual property rights.
  • Failure to disclose a significant conflict of interest that has materially affected the interpretation of the findings.
  • Any other circumstance that renders reliance on the article’s main findings or conclusions inappropriate.
  1. Retraction Notice

When an article is retracted, the journal will publish a clear retraction notice stating:

  1. The title and bibliographic details of the article.
  2. The names of the authors.
  3. The reason for the retraction, stated clearly and professionally.
  4. The party or entity that requested or initiated the retraction, where applicable.
  5. The date on which the retraction notice was issued.

Where possible, the original article will remain accessible in the electronic archive with a clear indication that it has been retracted and with a link to the retraction notice. This approach is intended to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record and maintain transparency regarding the article’s publication history.

  1. Limited Errors

If an error is confined to a limited part of an article and the remainder of the findings and conclusions remain reliable, the journal will generally favor publishing an appropriate correction rather than retracting the entire article.

  1. Expression of Concern

If serious concerns arise regarding a published article, but the available information is not yet sufficient to reach a final decision on correction or retraction, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern to alert readers that an ongoing review or investigation may affect the reliability of the article.

An Expression of Concern does not constitute a final judgment regarding the article or its authors. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, it may subsequently be followed by a correction, retraction, or closure of the matter without further action.

  1. Investigation Procedures

When a credible allegation or reliable information concerning a problem with a published article is brought to the journal’s attention, the journal may, depending on the nature and circumstances of the case:

  • Review the relevant evidence and available information.
  • Contact the authors to obtain necessary explanations or supporting documentation.
  • Contact the authors’ affiliated institution when appropriate, particularly in cases involving potential research misconduct.
  • Seek advice from independent experts or editors when necessary.
  • Make an appropriate editorial decision based on the available evidence.

The journal may take an interim measure, such as publishing an Expression of Concern, without waiting for the completion of all institutional procedures when there are serious concerns regarding the reliability of the published findings.

  1. Errors Reported by Authors

Authors are encouraged to notify the Editorial Board promptly upon discovering any significant error in their published article and to cooperate in correcting or retracting the article when necessary.

Good-faith voluntary reporting of scientific errors will not, in itself, be regarded as evidence of research misconduct.

  1. Responsibility of the Journal

The Editorial Board is responsible for making the final editorial decision regarding the publication of a correction, retraction, or Expression of Concern. Such decisions are based on the available evidence and relevant scientific and ethical principles, with priority given to the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record and the interests of readers and the academic community.

  1. Updating Records and Indexing Information

When a correction or retraction is issued, the journal will, where appropriate and feasible, update the article’s webpage and metadata, link the article to the relevant correction or retraction notice, and notify relevant indexing services or repositories when required or possible.

  1. Retraction Is Not Intended as a Punitive Measure

Correction and retraction procedures are intended to protect the integrity of the scholarly record and to correct the published literature, rather than to punish authors.

The appropriate action will be determined according to the nature of the identified problem and its impact on the reliability of the published article.