Publication Ethics & Malpractice Statement

 

The International Review of Education and Learning Sciences (IRELS) is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures to prevent publication malpractice. The journal follows internationally recognized ethical guidelines and expects all parties involved in the publishing process—authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher—to adhere strictly to these standards.

1. Duties of Authors

  • Originality: Submit only original work that has not been published previously or submitted elsewhere.
  • Attribution: Properly acknowledge and cite the work of others.
  • Authorship: Ensure that all listed authors have made a significant scholarly contribution.
  • Disclosure: Disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest.
  • Ethics: Obtain appropriate ethical approval for research involving human participants.
  • Cooperation: Cooperate with editors in responding to reviewer comments and corrections.
Prohibited: Any form of plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, or other unethical research behavior is considered unacceptable.

2. Duties of Editors

  • Fair Play: Making publication decisions based solely on the academic merit of the manuscript.
  • Process: Ensuring a fair, unbiased, and timely peer review process.
  • Confidentiality: Maintaining the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts.
  • Conflicts: Managing conflicts of interest and recusing themselves when necessary.
  • Action: Taking appropriate action in cases of suspected ethical misconduct.

* Editorial decisions are not influenced by commercial interests or publication fees.

3. Duties of Reviewers

  • Objectivity: Provide objective, constructive, and evidence-based evaluations.
  • Confidentiality: Treat all manuscripts as confidential documents.
  • Vigilance: Identify relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors.
  • Conflict of Interest: Declare any conflicts of interest and decline review when such conflicts exist.

4. Peer Review Integrity

IRELS applies a strict double-blind peer review process. Any attempt to compromise the integrity of the peer review process, including reviewer manipulation or falsification of reviewer identities, will result in immediate rejection and may lead to further institutional notification.

5. Handling of Ethical Misconduct

Allegations of ethical misconduct are investigated in accordance with established editorial procedures. Possible actions include:

  • Requesting clarification or correction from the authors.
  • Rejection of the manuscript.
  • Publication of corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions.
  • Notification of the authors’ institutions, where appropriate.

6. Retractions & Corrections

IRELS will issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern when necessary to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. Decisions regarding such actions are guided by the severity of the issue and the evidence available.

7. Complaints & Appeals

Authors may submit complaints or appeals regarding editorial decisions. All complaints are handled transparently and objectively. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an independent editor when appropriate.