Correction, Retraction, and Withdrawal Policy

Journal of Science and Science Education (JoSSEd), published by the Postgraduate Program, University of Mataram, Indonesia, is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record.

The journal recognizes that errors, ethical concerns, or other circumstances may arise during manuscript processing or after publication. Accordingly, JoSSEd establishes procedures for manuscript withdrawal, publication corrections, Expressions of Concern, and article retractions.

This policy is informed by the principles and guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and aims to ensure that all editorial actions are conducted fairly, transparently, consistently, and with appropriate documentation.

1. General Principles

JoSSEd applies the following principles when handling corrections, retractions, and manuscript withdrawals:

• Protecting the integrity and reliability of the scholarly record.
• Maintaining transparency in editorial decisions and publication status.
• Ensuring fair and evidence-based evaluation of concerns.
• Providing authors with appropriate opportunities for clarification.
• Preserving the confidentiality of unpublished manuscripts.
• Maintaining clear documentation of editorial actions.
• Applying proportionate measures based on the nature and seriousness of the issue.
• Following recognized publication ethics principles.

Corrections and retractions are intended primarily to maintain the accuracy of the scientific literature rather than to punish authors.

2. Correction Policy

A correction is issued when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be rectified without invalidating the article's principal findings or conclusions.

2.1 Grounds for Correction

Corrections may be issued for:

• Errors in numerical data, tables, figures, or statistical reporting.
• Incorrect descriptions of research methods or procedures.
• Errors in author names, affiliations, or publication metadata.
• Inaccurate or incomplete funding disclosures.
• Errors in conflict of interest statements.
• Omissions or inaccuracies in acknowledgements.
• Other substantive errors that do not invalidate the main findings.

2.2 Correction Procedure

1. The author, reader, reviewer, or editor identifies a potential error.
2. The concern is submitted to the editorial office with relevant supporting information.
3. The editorial team evaluates the nature and significance of the error.
4. The authors may be requested to provide clarification or supporting evidence.
5. The Editor-in-Chief or an authorized independent editor determines the appropriate corrective action.
6. When necessary, a formal correction notice is published and linked to the original article.

2.3 Publication of Corrections

Formal correction notices will clearly identify the original article, describe the error, and explain the correction.

Corrections will be publicly accessible and linked to the original publication. Relevant metadata will be updated where appropriate.

Substantive corrections must not be implemented through silent replacement of the published Version of Record.

3. Retraction Policy

A retraction is a formal editorial action used to correct the scholarly record when a published article contains unreliable findings or when other serious circumstances justify retraction.

Retraction may result from honest error, research misconduct, or serious violations of publication ethics.

3.1 Grounds for Retraction

An article may be retracted when:

• Research findings are unreliable because of fabrication or falsification.
• Major methodological, analytical, or computational errors invalidate the conclusions.
• Substantial plagiarism or unauthorized reproduction is established.
• The article constitutes unjustified duplicate or redundant publication.
• Serious ethical violations involving research participants are identified.
• Peer-review manipulation or fraudulent editorial practices are substantiated.
• Copyright infringement or other serious publication violations warrant retraction.
• Other circumstances substantially compromise the article's scientific integrity.

3.2 Retraction Investigation

Before issuing a retraction, the editorial team will assess the available evidence and, where appropriate, request explanations or supporting documentation from the authors.

The journal may consult independent experts or refer concerns to relevant research institutions when formal investigation is necessary.

The Editor-in-Chief or an independent authorized editor will determine the appropriate publication-related action based on the evidence.

3.3 Retraction Notice

A formal retraction notice will:

• Clearly identify the retracted article.
• Explain the reasons for retraction.
• Identify who is issuing the retraction.
• Distinguish established findings from unresolved allegations.
• Be linked to the original article.
• Be freely accessible to readers.
• Include appropriate publication metadata.

3.4 Accessibility of Retracted Articles

Retracted articles will ordinarily remain accessible on the journal website and will be clearly marked as retracted.

The original article will not normally be deleted. Removal may be considered only in exceptional circumstances involving legal obligations, serious privacy violations, or substantial risks of harm.

A retraction may proceed when justified by the evidence even if one or more authors disagree with the decision.

4. Expression of Concern

JoSSEd may publish an Expression of Concern when serious questions arise regarding the reliability or integrity of a published article but the available evidence does not yet justify a correction or retraction.

An Expression of Concern may be appropriate when:

• Serious allegations remain unresolved.
• An institutional investigation is ongoing.
• Substantial concerns exist about the reliability of published findings.
• Additional evidence is required before a final editorial decision can be reached.

An Expression of Concern will be clearly identified and linked to the original article.

When further evidence becomes available, the journal may issue a correction, retraction, updated notice, or other appropriate editorial action.

5. Manuscript Withdrawal Policy

Manuscript withdrawal refers to the formal removal of a submitted manuscript from further editorial consideration before publication.

Authors may request withdrawal for legitimate reasons, including substantial errors in the manuscript, unresolved authorship disputes, ethical concerns, or other circumstances that prevent the manuscript from proceeding responsibly through the publication process.

Withdrawal requests must be submitted formally through the journal's official communication channels.

Authors must not assume that a manuscript has been withdrawn merely because a request has been submitted. The editorial office will confirm when the withdrawal has been processed.

6. Withdrawal Before Peer Review

Authors may request manuscript withdrawal during the initial editorial screening stage before the manuscript has entered peer review.

The corresponding author must provide a written request explaining the reason for withdrawal and confirming that all co-authors have been informed and agree with the request.

The editorial office will review the request and confirm the manuscript's withdrawal status.

Withdrawal at this stage does not automatically imply research misconduct.

7. Withdrawal During Peer Review

Withdrawal requests submitted after the manuscript has entered peer review require formal communication with the editorial office.

Because editorial and reviewer resources may already have been allocated, authors are expected to provide a clear and reasonable explanation for the withdrawal request.

The corresponding author must confirm that all co-authors support the withdrawal.

The editorial team will review the request and determine whether further clarification or action is necessary.

The journal discourages unnecessary or repeated withdrawals that result from simultaneous submission to multiple journals or attempts to bypass the normal editorial process.

Where a withdrawal request reveals potential research misconduct, the journal may retain relevant records and continue an appropriate ethical assessment.

8. Withdrawal After Acceptance

Withdrawal requests submitted after manuscript acceptance require particular consideration because the manuscript may already have undergone peer review, editorial evaluation, copyediting, layout preparation, or other publication processes.

Authors must submit a formal request explaining the reason for withdrawal and provide confirmation of agreement from all co-authors.

The Editor-in-Chief will evaluate the request, including the manuscript's publication status and any relevant ethical concerns.

Legitimate concerns affecting research integrity, ethical compliance, or the reliability of findings will receive appropriate consideration regardless of the manuscript's editorial stage.

Once an article has been formally published, it is no longer subject to ordinary manuscript withdrawal procedures. Any subsequent removal or correction of the scholarly record must follow the journal's post-publication policies.

9. Withdrawal Request Requirements

A manuscript withdrawal request must include:

1. The manuscript title.
2. The manuscript identification number, where available.
3. The names of all authors.
4. The name and contact information of the corresponding author.
5. A clear explanation of the reason for withdrawal.
6. Confirmation that all co-authors have been informed and agree with the request.
7. Any relevant supporting documentation, where necessary.

The editorial office may request additional information when authorship consent, manuscript status, or ethical concerns require clarification.

10. Withdrawal Procedure

JoSSEd applies the following procedures when processing withdrawal requests:

1. Submission of Request: The corresponding author submits a formal withdrawal request.
2. Verification: The editorial office verifies manuscript details and co-author agreement.
3. Editorial Assessment: The Editor-in-Chief or authorized editor reviews the reason for withdrawal.
4. Ethical Consideration: Any relevant research integrity or publication ethics concerns are assessed.
5. Withdrawal Processing: The editorial office updates the manuscript's editorial status when withdrawal is approved or otherwise appropriately resolved.
6. Official Confirmation: The corresponding author receives written confirmation of the outcome.
7. Record Retention: Relevant editorial correspondence and withdrawal records may be retained for accountability and ethical documentation.

11. Unethical Withdrawal Practices

JoSSEd considers the following practices inconsistent with responsible scholarly publishing:

• Submitting the same manuscript simultaneously to multiple journals without appropriate disclosure.
• Withdrawing a manuscript to conceal plagiarism, fabricated data, or other research misconduct.
• Providing false or misleading reasons for withdrawal.
• Submitting withdrawal requests without the knowledge or agreement of co-authors.
• Repeatedly misusing the editorial process through deceptive submissions and withdrawals.

Where credible evidence of unethical conduct exists, the journal may conduct an appropriate editorial investigation or refer concerns to the relevant institution.

Withdrawal itself is not evidence of misconduct and must not automatically result in punitive action.

12. Withdrawal Fees and Administrative Charges

Any applicable withdrawal-related administrative charges must be governed by an officially approved and publicly disclosed journal policy.

JoSSEd will not impose undisclosed or retroactive withdrawal penalties.

Any applicable charge must be communicated transparently before it becomes binding and must not prevent authors from reporting genuine research integrity or ethical concerns.

Withdrawal-related financial arrangements, where applicable, must be distinguished from the journal's Article Processing Charges (APC) and must not influence scientific or ethical editorial decisions.

13. Article Removal

Removal of a published article is an exceptional action and is distinct from ordinary manuscript withdrawal or article retraction.

Article removal may be considered only when maintaining access to the content would create significant legal, privacy, or safety concerns.

Where legally and technically possible, the journal will preserve an appropriate bibliographic record and provide an explanatory notice indicating that the article has been removed.

14. Editorial Responsibilities and Decision-Making

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for overseeing the application of this policy, including decisions concerning corrections, retractions, Expressions of Concern, and manuscript withdrawals.

Editors must evaluate concerns objectively, maintain appropriate confidentiality, manage conflicts of interest, and document editorial decisions.

Where an editor has a relevant conflict of interest, responsibility for the case must be assigned to another qualified editor without the conflict.

The journal may seek independent expert advice or institutional cooperation when necessary.

15. Summary of Editorial Actions

16. Appeals and Reconsideration

Authors who disagree with a correction, retraction, or withdrawal-related editorial decision may submit a reasoned request for reconsideration supported by relevant evidence.

Where feasible, the request will be assessed by an editor or qualified individual who was not responsible for the original decision and who has no relevant conflict of interest.

Reconsideration does not guarantee reversal of the original editorial decision.

17. Ethical Guidelines and References

This policy is informed by internationally recognized principles of publication ethics and the maintenance of the scholarly record:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE): https://publicationethics.org/
• COPE Core Practices: https://publicationethics.org/core-practices
• COPE Retraction Guidelines: https://publicationethics.org/retraction-guidelines