Data Retraction Policy

A journal's data retraction policy is a set of guidelines for removing, replacing, or correcting articles that contain erroneous or flawed data. The purpose of a retraction is to ensure the integrity of the literature and to alert readers to publications that they should not rely on. For JSE, retraction of a publication may be requested by an article’s author(s), by an institution, by readers, or by the editor through email (editor.jse@aiou.edu.pk). After receiving the email, the editor will contact the author(s) for further details. If required, a data retraction notice for a publication will issued on JSE website. Editors may retract publications (or issue expressions of concern) even if all or some of the authors do not agree. Who is retracting the article (such as editor, authors) will be clearly identified within the retraction notice.

Editorial Board of JSE consider retracting a publication if:

  • There are clear evidence that the findings are unreliable, either as a result of major error (e.g., miscalculation or experimental error), or as a result of fabrication (e.g., of data) or falsification (e.g., image manipulation).
  • It constitutes plagiarism.
  • The findings have previously been published elsewhere without proper attribution to previous sources or disclosure to the editor, permission to republish, or justification (i.e., cases of redundant publication).
  • It contains material or data without authorisation for use.
  • Copyright has been infringed or there is some other serious legal issue (e.g., libel, privacy).
  • It reports unethical research.
  • It has been published solely on the basis of a compromised or manipulated peer review process.
  • The author(s) failed to disclose a major competing interest (aka, conflict of interest) that, in the view of the editor, would have unduly affected interpretations of the work or recommendations by editors and peer reviewers.

Notices of retraction will be displayed on JSE website along with the reason for retraction. This notice will be freely accessible to all readers.