Plagiarism Policy

SOSIO-DIDAKTIKA: Social Science Education Journal is committed to maintaining academic integrity and originality in scholarly publishing. The journal does not tolerate plagiarism, duplicate publication, or other forms of inappropriate use of others’ intellectual work.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when authors use another person’s words, ideas, data, images, research findings, or other intellectual contributions without appropriate acknowledgment. It may include, but is not limited to:

  • Direct plagiarism: Copying text or material from another source without proper quotation and citation.

  • Mosaic plagiarism: Combining copied phrases or passages from multiple sources without adequate acknowledgment.

  • Paraphrasing plagiarism: Rewriting another author’s ideas without appropriate citation.

  • Self-plagiarism: Reusing substantial portions of one’s previously published work without proper acknowledgment or disclosure, where such reuse is inappropriate.

  • Duplicate publication: Submitting or publishing substantially the same manuscript in more than one journal without appropriate disclosure or permission.

2. Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts submitted to SOSIO-DIDAKTIKA: Social Science Education Journal may be screened using plagiarism-detection software or other appropriate methods before or during the peer-review process.

The editorial team evaluates similarity reports in context. A similarity percentage alone does not establish plagiarism, as properly cited quotations, references, standard terminology, and methodological descriptions may contribute to a similarity score.

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their manuscripts are original and that all sources are properly cited.

3. Similarity Threshold

The journal may establish a similarity threshold as part of its editorial screening procedures. Any threshold must be applied alongside a qualitative assessment of the similarity report, including the source, nature, extent, and context of the matched text.

Manuscripts containing substantial unattributed material or other evidence of plagiarism may be returned for correction or rejected, depending on the severity of the issue.

The journal’s specific similarity threshold, if adopted, will be communicated through its official author guidelines.

4. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must:

  1. Submit original manuscripts that appropriately acknowledge the work of others.

  2. Cite all sources used in developing the research and manuscript.

  3. Use quotation marks and appropriate citations when reproducing text verbatim.

  4. Obtain permission for copyrighted material when required.

  5. Disclose relevant overlap with the authors’ previously published or submitted work.

  6. Respond to editorial requests for clarification concerning similarity or originality.

5. Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism or other forms of publication misconduct are identified, the editorial team will assess the evidence and determine an appropriate response. Depending on the severity and circumstances, possible actions include:

  • Requesting clarification or additional documentation from the authors.

  • Returning the manuscript for correction where the issue is minor and can appropriately be remedied.

  • Rejecting the manuscript when substantial plagiarism or serious ethical violations are identified.

  • Issuing a correction, expression of concern, or retraction if misconduct is established after publication.

  • Informing the relevant institution or other appropriate body when warranted by the circumstances and applicable policies.

All cases will be handled fairly and confidentially, with consideration of the available evidence and the authors’ opportunity to respond.

6. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors are responsible for assessing potential plagiarism concerns objectively and consistently. Reviewers who identify possible plagiarism or unattributed material should inform the editor and provide relevant details where possible.

The journal will not rely solely on automated similarity scores to make decisions. Editorial judgments will consider the nature of the matched material, citation practices, and the overall integrity of the manuscript.

7. Commitment to Academic Integrity

SOSIO-DIDAKTIKA: Social Science Education Journal encourages responsible scholarship, accurate citation, transparency, and respect for intellectual property. Authors are expected to uphold these principles throughout the research, writing, and publication process.

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