Ethical Principles

Assessment and Practice in Educational Sciences is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical behavior throughout the publication process. The journal adheres strictly to international guidelines for ethical scholarly publishing, particularly those established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and expects all parties involved—authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers—to observe the same principles.

This Publication Ethics Statement provides a detailed framework to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity at all stages of manuscript submission, peer review, and publication.

1. Responsibilities of Authors

1.1. Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must submit original works that have not been previously published or under consideration elsewhere. All forms of plagiarism—including direct copying, paraphrasing without attribution, self-plagiarism (redundant publication), and use of others’ ideas or data without proper citation—are unethical and unacceptable.

Submitted manuscripts are rigorously checked using plagiarism detection software (iThenticate). Manuscripts found to contain significant similarity or duplication will be immediately rejected or retracted if already published.

1.2. Authorship and Contribution

Only individuals who have made substantial intellectual contributions to the research should be listed as authors. All listed authors must meet the following criteria:

  • Significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study.

  • Approval of the final version of the manuscript.

  • Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Gift, guest, or honorary authorship is unethical and strictly prohibited. Contributors who do not meet authorship criteria (e.g., data collectors, funders, technical assistants) should be acknowledged in a separate section.

1.3. Data Integrity and Transparency

Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the data presented. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of research data is considered scientific misconduct.

Authors should retain raw data for at least five years after publication and make them available upon request. Where applicable, datasets should be deposited in public repositories.

1.4. Simultaneous Submission

Manuscripts must not be submitted to more than one journal simultaneously. Duplicate or concurrent submission constitutes unethical publishing behavior.

1.5. Conflict of Interest Disclosure

All authors must disclose any financial, personal, or institutional relationships that could be perceived to influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript. This includes funding sources, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or patent applications.

A conflict of interest statement must be included in the manuscript.

1.6. Acknowledgment of Sources

Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must be given through accurate citation. Authors should also cite publications that have influenced their work, particularly any foundational methods or prior findings.

Failure to properly cite the sources of theoretical frameworks, ideas, or data is considered plagiarism.

1.7. Ethical Approval and Consent

Research involving human participants, especially in educational settings, must be conducted in accordance with ethical standards. Authors must:

  • Obtain approval from an institutional ethics review board or relevant authority.

  • Secure informed consent from participants or their guardians.

  • Protect participants’ anonymity and confidentiality.

Details of ethical approval must be clearly stated in the methods section.

2. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Peer reviewers play a central role in safeguarding the academic integrity of the journal. They are expected to:

2.1. Confidentiality

Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers must not share, distribute, or discuss the manuscript with others unless authorized by the editor.

2.2. Objectivity and Constructive Feedback

Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts objectively and without personal or professional bias. Comments should be respectful, specific, and focused on improving the scientific quality and clarity of the manuscript. Ad hominem criticism is not tolerated.

2.3. Timeliness

Reviewers are expected to submit their reviews within the agreed timeframe. If a reviewer is unable to meet the deadline or feels unqualified to evaluate a particular manuscript, they must promptly notify the editor.

2.4. Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must decline to review manuscripts in which they have any financial, personal, or academic conflicts of interest with any of the authors or affiliated institutions.

3. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are entrusted with making impartial decisions and ensuring the integrity of the publication process.

3.1. Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are based solely on the scientific merit of the manuscript and its relevance to the journal’s scope. Editors do not discriminate on the basis of nationality, gender, institutional affiliation, religion, or political beliefs.

3.2. Confidentiality

Editors must protect the confidentiality of all submissions. No unpublished material disclosed in a submitted manuscript may be used in an editor's own research without the express written consent of the author.

3.3. Fair Decision-Making

Editors must ensure that all submissions are reviewed fairly and free from bias. They must avoid situations in which conflicts of interest could influence editorial decisions.

3.4. Addressing Misconduct

Editors have a duty to investigate allegations of ethical misconduct—whether involving authors, reviewers, or other editors. If misconduct is identified (e.g., plagiarism, data manipulation, unethical research), appropriate actions will be taken, including:

  • Requesting corrections or retractions.

  • Notifying relevant institutions or funders.

  • Banning authors from future submission.

4. Ethical Oversight and Misconduct Handling

Assessment and Practice in Educational Sciences follows COPE’s flowcharts and guidelines when dealing with allegations of misconduct. This includes:

  • Responding to complaints in a fair and transparent manner.

  • Cooperating with investigations carried out by other institutions.

  • Issuing corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern as needed.

Authors, reviewers, or readers may report ethical concerns by contacting the editorial office at any time. The journal will thoroughly investigate all complaints in accordance with due process.

5. Retraction, Corrections, and Expressions of Concern

If significant errors or ethical breaches are discovered post-publication, the journal will take corrective action in line with COPE guidance:

  • Retraction: Issued when data are found to be fabricated, plagiarized, or unethical.

  • Correction: Issued for minor errors that do not invalidate the results.

  • Expression of Concern: Issued when there is suspicion of misconduct, but insufficient evidence for a retraction.

All such notices will be linked to the original article and be clearly marked in the journal archive.

6. Ethical Publishing in Practice

The journal encourages all stakeholders to:

  • Promote academic honesty and responsible research practices.

  • Engage in respectful scholarly debate.

  • Foster a culture of openness, transparency, and accountability.

The integrity of the journal depends on the commitment of authors, reviewers, and editors to uphold ethical values. By submitting to Assessment and Practice in Educational Sciences, authors confirm their agreement to abide by these ethical principles and procedures.