Plagiarism Policy
Heritage: Journal of Social Studies is committed to maintaining the originality of scientific work, academic integrity, and publication ethics. The journal does not tolerate plagiarism, fabrication or falsification of data, duplicate publication, or other forms of violation of academic integrity. This policy applies to all authors, editors, and parties involved in the publication process.
1. Definition and Forms of Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of another person's ideas, words, data, images, or work without proper acknowledgement and attribution. Forms of violations include:
Textual plagiarism: copying sentences, paragraphs, or sections of another person's work without proper citation and referencing.
Ideal plagiarism: using another person's ideas, theories, methods, or arguments without adequate acknowledgement of the source.
Data and visual material plagiarism: using another person's tables, figures, illustrations, instruments, or data without attribution and permission where required.
Self-plagiarism: reusing the substance of a published work without proper disclosure and attribution.
Duplicate or Overlapping Publication: Submitting or publishing work that is identical or significantly overlapping in substance without transparent disclosure and without complying with the journal's publication requirements.
Furthermore, the journal prohibits data fabrication, falsification of research results, citation manipulation, and other actions that undermine the integrity of scientific work.
2. Manuscript Originality Check
Every submitted manuscript undergoes a similarity check using text similarity detection software, namely Turnitin.
Checks are conducted at the initial editorial stage and may be repeated during the review process or before publication if necessary. The check covers text similarity, use of sources, indications of duplicate publication, and other areas requiring further evaluation.
The percentage of similarity is not the sole basis for determining plagiarism. The editor assesses the source of similarity, the context in which the text is used, the accuracy of citations, identified sections, and the degree of substantial similarity as a whole.
3. Handling Manuscripts Suspected of Plagiarism
If indications of plagiarism or violations of academic integrity are found, the editor will conduct an initial review and may request clarification or explanation from the author, accompanied by relevant evidence.
Based on the review results, the journal may take the following actions:
Request citation corrections or revisions if the issues are limited and can be ethically corrected.
Return the manuscript for revision or reject the manuscript if substantial violations are discovered before publication.
Suspend the editorial process during the review.
Refer allegations of serious violations to the author's institution or relevant authorities if necessary.
Decisions are based on the evidence, the seriousness of the violation, the context, and applicable ethical principles of scientific publications.
4. Handling Violations in Published Articles
If allegations of plagiarism are discovered after the article is published, the journal will conduct an investigation based on the available evidence and provide an opportunity for relevant parties to provide clarification.
If violations are proven, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the severity of the violation and applicable publication ethics guidelines.
Correction or retraction information will be transparently communicated on the journal's website and linked to the affected article to maintain the trackable scientific publication record. The journal may also notify relevant institutions if necessary.
5. Author Responsibilities
Authors are responsible for ensuring that submitted manuscripts are original works, that all sources have been properly acknowledged, that data are presented honestly, and that materials from other parties are used in accordance with applicable attribution and licensing requirements.
Authors are required to disclose any prior publication or reuse of relevant material, avoid concurrent submission of manuscripts to other journals, and provide a proper explanation if the editor requests clarification regarding the manuscript's originality.
6. Commitment to Publication Integrity
Heritage: Journal of Social Studies handles allegations of violations objectively, fairly, and confidentially, while respecting the rights of relevant parties to provide an explanation. All decisions are based on evidence and accountable editorial procedures.
Through this policy, the journal is committed to maintaining the originality, credibility, and accountability of scientific publications and implementing appropriate corrective actions if violations of academic integrity are proven.
