Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage Policy

The Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology (JPSP) acknowledges the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and writing. While these tools can enhance various stages of manuscript preparation, their use must adhere to strict ethical standards to ensure the integrity, originality, and accountability of scholarly work. This policy outlines the acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI tools in submissions to JPSP and provides guidance on their responsible application.

1. Use of AI Tools by Authors

Authors are permitted to use AI tools in specific, limited capacities that do not compromise the intellectual content and authenticity of their work. However, the following guidelines must be observed:

  • Language Editing and Proofreading:
    AI tools may be employed to improve the grammar, spelling, clarity, and overall readability of manuscripts. This includes enhancing sentence structure and style without altering the intellectual substance of the work. The authors remain fully accountable for the original content and any errors introduced by these tools.
  • Content Generation:
    The generation of text or substantive content using AI tools is strictly prohibited. This includes generating abstracts, introductions, literature reviews, methodologies, results, discussions, or conclusions. Manuscripts must reflect the original intellectual efforts and analyses of the authors.
  • Data Analysis and Processing:
    Authors may use AI tools to assist with analyzing data collected through traditional research methods. However, AI tools must not be used to fabricate, simulate, or generate research data. All interpretations and conclusions must be the sole responsibility of the authors.
  • Creation of Visual Materials:
    The submission of AI-generated images, figures, graphs, or other visual content is not allowed. All visual elements must be produced through original methods or sourced ethically with proper attribution.
  • Disclosure of AI Usage:
    Authors must explicitly disclose the use of AI tools in their manuscripts. A clear statement must be included in the acknowledgments section, specifying the tool used and its purpose. For example:
    “This manuscript was edited using [AI Tool Name] for language refinement. The intellectual content remains entirely the responsibility of the authors.”
  • Authorship Criteria:
    AI tools cannot be credited as authors. Authorship is restricted to individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the research and manuscript preparation.

2. Use of AI Tools in Editorial and Peer Review Process

JPSP maintains a rigorous editorial and peer review process to ensure that all manuscripts adhere to the journal’s ethical guidelines, including its AI usage policy. The editorial team and reviewers are committed to upholding the principles of academic integrity, originality, and intellectual rigor throughout the review process.

Compliance with Ethical Standards

Upon submission, all manuscripts undergo an initial screening by the editorial team to assess compliance with JPSP’s ethical policies, including the appropriate and transparent use of AI tools. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s ethical requirements or fail to disclose the use of AI tools where applicable may be returned to the authors for clarification or rejected outright.

Assessment During Peer Review

During the peer review process, reviewers assess whether the manuscript demonstrates originality, intellectual rigor, and compliance with ethical standards.

During the peer review process, reviewers evaluate the manuscript for originality ensuring the work reflects the authors’ intellectual contributions without reliance on AI-generated content for substantive sections such as abstracts, literature reviews, results, or conclusions. Reviewers should also verify that the manuscript complies with JPSP’s AI usage policy, particularly regarding the generation of data, figures, or text.

Reviewers are instructed to remain vigilant for signs of undisclosed AI-generated content or other potential ethical concerns.

3. Ethical Compliance and Accountability

Authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of their work, regardless of the extent to which AI tools are utilized. Misuse of AI tools, including generating substantive content, fabricating data, or failing to disclose AI usage, undermines the integrity of the scholarly record and will be treated as an ethical violation.

Suspected Misuse of AI Tools

If there is any suspicion of inappropriate or undisclosed use of AI tools, the editorial team may take the following steps:

Request for Clarification: The authors may be asked to provide additional information or a detailed explanation regarding their use of AI tools in preparing the manuscript.

Investigation: The editorial team will investigate the matter further, including the possibility of consulting external experts if needed, to determine whether a breach of ethical standards has occurred.

Ethical Review: If confirmed misuse is detected, the case will be reviewed in accordance with JPSP’s ethical policies and the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Actions for Confirmed Misuse

In cases where misuse of AI tools is confirmed, the following actions may be taken:

Rejection of the Manuscript: Manuscripts found to have violated the journal’s AI usage policy will be rejected during the review process.

Retraction of Published Articles: If the violation is discovered post-publication, the article will be retracted, and a retraction notice will be issued.

Notification of Relevant Parties: Significant ethical breaches may result in notification to the authors’ affiliated institutions, funding bodies, or other relevant entities.

JPSP reserves the right to investigate suspected violations thoroughly and to take necessary corrective actions to uphold the integrity of its publication process.

4. Responsible Use of AI Tools

JPSP encourages authors to use AI tools responsibly to enhance their research and writing processes. The journal recognizes the value of these tools for non-intellectual tasks, such as language editing or data analysis support, while emphasizing that the authors’ intellectual contributions and accountability remain paramount.

5. Commitment to Academic Integrity

JPSP is dedicated to foster the responsible and ethical use of emerging technologies in academic research and publishing. The editorial and peer review process is designed to support authors in meeting these standards while safeguarding the credibility and integrity of the scholarly record. For questions or concerns regarding AI usage during the submission or review process, authors are encouraged to contact the editorial office at
admin@j-psp.com or jpsp.editor@gmail.com