Retraction

SOSIO-DIDAKTIKA: Social Science Education Journal is committed to maintaining the integrity, reliability, and accuracy of the scholarly record. The journal may retract published articles when there is clear evidence that their findings, content, or publication process are seriously compromised by error, misconduct, or ethical violations.

1. Grounds for Retraction

An article may be considered for retraction in circumstances including, but not limited to:

  • Plagiarism: Substantial portions of the article have been copied from other works without appropriate acknowledgment.

  • Data Fabrication or Falsification: Research data, methods, images, or findings have been fabricated, falsified, or manipulated in a manner that undermines the validity of the work.

  • Duplicate Publication: The article substantially duplicates previously published work without adequate disclosure or justification.

  • Unethical Research: The research involves serious violations of applicable research ethics requirements, including the rights, safety, privacy, or informed consent of participants.

  • Serious Errors: Significant errors are identified that invalidate the principal findings or conclusions of the article.

  • Authorship or Publication Misconduct: Reliable evidence demonstrates serious authorship irregularities, undisclosed conflicts of interest, or other misconduct that materially affects the integrity of the publication.

  • Compromised Peer Review: Evidence indicates that the peer-review or editorial process was manipulated or otherwise seriously compromised.

Retraction is not intended to punish authors for honest mistakes that can be adequately addressed through a correction. The appropriate editorial action will depend on the nature and seriousness of the issue.

2. Investigation and Decision-Making

When a potential reason for retraction is identified, the editorial team will assess the available evidence and determine whether further investigation is necessary.

The journal may:

  1. Request an explanation, supporting data, or relevant documentation from the corresponding author.

  2. Consult the co-authors, reviewers, independent experts, or the authors’ affiliated institutions when appropriate.

  3. Evaluate the seriousness of the concern and its impact on the reliability of the article.

  4. Consider the authors’ responses before reaching a decision, where practicable.

  5. Issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the findings of the assessment.

The final decision rests with the journal’s editorial team and will be based on the evidence, the seriousness of the concern, and applicable publication ethics standards.

3. Retraction Notice

When an article is retracted, the journal will publish a retraction notice explaining the reason for the action as clearly as possible, subject to legal and confidentiality considerations.

The notice will identify the retracted article and provide sufficient information for readers to understand the basis for the decision. Where practicable, the notice will be linked to the original article.

4. Accessibility of Retracted Articles

To preserve the transparency of the scholarly record, a retracted article will generally remain accessible on the journal’s website but will be clearly marked as “Retracted.” The retraction notice will be linked to the article so that readers are aware of its status.

The journal will not remove a retracted article from the public record except in exceptional circumstances, such as where required by law or necessary to address serious risks to individuals. Any such action will be handled transparently to the extent permitted.

5. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are expected to cooperate with the editorial team during investigations concerning the integrity of their published work. They should provide accurate information, respond to requests for clarification, and disclose any significant errors or ethical concerns that arise after publication.

Authors who identify serious errors in their own published articles are encouraged to notify the journal promptly so that appropriate corrective action can be considered.

6. Corrections and Expressions of Concern

Not every problem requires retraction. Depending on the circumstances:

  • Correction: May be issued when a specific error can be corrected without invalidating the overall reliability of the article.

  • Expression of Concern: May be published when there are substantial concerns about an article but the investigation remains inconclusive or additional information is required.

  • Retraction: May be issued when the available evidence demonstrates that the article is unreliable or has been affected by serious ethical or publication misconduct.

7. Retraction and Research Integrity

SOSIO-DIDAKTIKA: Social Science Education Journal is committed to handling retraction cases fairly, consistently, and transparently. Retraction decisions are intended to protect readers, uphold research integrity, and maintain confidence in the scholarly record.

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect developments in publication ethics standards and the journal’s editorial practices.