Publication Ethics

 

Publication Ethics in Social Computing Research

Publication ethics are essential principles that guide the dissemination of research findings and ensure the integrity, credibility, and fairness of scholarly publications in the field of social computing. Authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers are expected to adhere to these ethical standards to maintain the quality and trustworthiness of the research process and outcomes.

Authorship and Author Responsibilities:

• Authorship Criteria:Authors should meet the criteria for authorship, which typically include substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research study. All authors should have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to its submission for publication.
• Originality and Plagiarism:Authors must ensure that their work is original and properly acknowledges the contributions and ideas of others. Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, is unacceptable and should be avoided.
• Data Integrity:Authors should provide accurate and complete data, methodologies, and findings in their manuscripts. Any manipulation of data or selective reporting that could mislead readers should be disclosed.
• Conflict of Interest:Authors should disclose any financial or personal relationships that could be perceived as influencing the research or its interpretation. Conflicts of interest should be declared in the manuscript.

Peer Review Process:

• Objectivity:Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, based on the quality, originality, and significance of the research presented. Personal biases or conflicts of interest that may affect the review process should be disclosed and avoided.
• Confidentiality:Reviewers should maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts and not use information from unpublished manuscripts for personal gain. They should discuss manuscripts only with those authorized by the editor-in-chief.
• Constructive Feedback:Reviewers should provide constructive feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts. Criticism should be expressed clearly and respectfully, with suggestions for revisions where necessary.

Editorial Responsibilities:

• Decision-making:Editors should make editorial decisions based on the validity of the work and its importance to the field, considering reviewer comments and relevant ethical guidelines.
• Transparency:Editors should ensure transparency in the review process, including disclosing conflicts of interest and providing clear reasons for editorial decisions.
• Publication Ethics Violations:Editors should investigate any ethical concerns or allegations of misconduct promptly and fairly. Appropriate actions may include corrections, retractions, or sanctions against authors, as warranted.

Publication and Access:

• Copyright and Licensing:Authors should retain copyright to their work and grant the publisher permission to publish and distribute the manuscript. Licensing terms should be clear and comply with ethical standards and legal requirements.
• Open Access:Authors and publishers should consider making research findings openly accessible to promote dissemination and encourage collaboration, while respecting copyright and licensing agreements.

Ethical Considerations:

• Human and Animal Subjects:Research involving human or animal subjects should comply with ethical guidelines and obtain necessary approvals from institutional review boards or ethics committees.
• Informed Consent:Authors should ensure that participants provide informed consent for their involvement in research studies, including the use of personal data and publication of results.
• Data Management:Authors should responsibly manage and share research data, ensuring accessibility for verification and replication of findings, while respecting participant confidentiality and privacy.

Misconduct and Corrections:

• Misconduct:Any suspected misconduct, such as plagiarism, data fabrication, or falsification, should be reported and investigated. Corrective actions may include retracting or correcting published articles and notifying relevant stakeholders.
• Corrections and Retractions:Authors and editors should promptly correct errors or inaccuracies in published work. Articles found to contain significant errors or misleading information should be retracted with appropriate notices.