Correction and Retraction Policy
Correction and Retraction Policy
Altruistik: Jurnal Konseling dan Psikologi Pendidikan is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors, ethical concerns, or questions regarding the reliability of published research may arise after publication and require appropriate editorial action.
When necessary, Altruistik may publish corrections, expressions of concern, or retraction notices to address issues affecting the accuracy, interpretation, reliability, or ethical integrity of published articles. These actions are guided by established publication ethics principles and relevant recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
1. Corrections
A correction may be issued when an error is identified in a published article and can be appropriately resolved without invalidating the principal research findings, conclusions, or scholarly contributions.
Corrections may address, but are not limited to, the following issues:
- Errors in author names, institutional affiliations, or other publication information.
- Typographical, formatting, or editorial errors that materially affect the accuracy or clarity of an article.
- Errors in tables, figures, equations, references, statistical reporting, or data presentation that can be corrected without substantially changing the main conclusions.
- Other factual inaccuracies requiring formal clarification to maintain the accuracy of the published scholarly record.
The editorial team will assess each correction request and determine whether a formal correction is necessary.
When a correction is approved, the journal will publish an appropriate notice identifying the original article, explaining the error, and describing the correction. Where technically feasible, the correction notice will be linked to the original publication.
Minor errors that do not affect the interpretation or scholarly integrity of the article may be handled through appropriate editorial procedures.
2. Retractions
A retraction may be considered when substantial evidence indicates that the findings, conclusions, or ethical integrity of a published article are seriously compromised and the concerns cannot be adequately resolved through a correction or another editorial action.
Grounds for retraction may include:
- Reliable evidence that research findings are invalid because of major methodological errors, fabricated data, falsified results, or data manipulation.
- Plagiarism or substantial unauthorized use of another person's scholarly work without appropriate acknowledgment.
- Duplicate or redundant publication that violates the journal's publication policies.
- Serious violations of research ethics, including applicable requirements for ethical approval, informed consent, or participant protection.
- Manipulation of the peer-review process or other serious violations of publication integrity.
- Unreliable findings or conclusions arising from circumstances that materially undermine the validity of the published research.
- Other substantial concerns that make retraction necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.
A retraction does not automatically establish intentional misconduct by the authors. The journal will assess the available evidence, relevant circumstances, and seriousness of the concerns before reaching an editorial decision.
Retraction decisions are intended primarily to correct the scholarly record and protect readers from relying on findings that are no longer considered reliable.
3. Expressions of Concern
An expression of concern may be issued when credible information raises serious questions regarding a published article, but an investigation remains incomplete or the available evidence does not yet support a definitive editorial decision.
An expression of concern informs readers that significant issues concerning the reliability or integrity of the article are being examined.
The editorial team will consider the nature of the concerns, the supporting evidence, and the potential implications for readers before issuing such a notice.
Following further assessment, the journal may publish a correction, retract the article, update the expression of concern, or take another appropriate editorial action.
An expression of concern is not, by itself, a final determination that research or publication misconduct has occurred.
4. Reporting Errors or Publication Concerns
Authors, readers, reviewers, editors, researchers, and other interested parties may report suspected errors, ethical concerns, or other issues affecting articles published in Altruistik.
Reports should clearly identify the article concerned and provide a specific explanation of the alleged error or publication issue. Relevant documentation, scholarly references, or other supporting evidence should be included whenever available.
Reports may be submitted to the editorial office through the official contact information provided on the journal website.
The editorial team will assess the information received and may request additional clarification or supporting documentation when necessary.
All reports will be considered according to their relevance, credibility, supporting evidence, and potential implications for the scholarly record.
5. Investigation and Editorial Decisions
Upon receiving a report, the editorial team will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether further investigation or editorial action is warranted.
Where appropriate, the journal may contact the corresponding author, other co-authors, reviewers, relevant institutions, independent experts, or other parties who may provide information necessary for a fair assessment.
In addressing publication concerns, the journal will:
- Evaluate the reported issues objectively and examine the available evidence.
- Provide authors with a reasonable opportunity to respond to substantive concerns.
- Seek independent expert advice when specialized assessment is required.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality throughout the assessment process.
- Consider the seriousness of the concerns and their implications for the validity and integrity of the published research.
- Make editorial decisions based on evidence, proportionality, and applicable publication ethics principles.
Where an investigation requires authority or access to information beyond the journal's responsibilities, the editorial team may refer relevant concerns to the authors' institutions or other appropriate bodies.
Editorial decisions will be based on the available evidence and the journal's responsibility to maintain the scholarly record. Author agreement is not necessarily required for the journal to issue an appropriate correction, expression of concern, or retraction notice.
6. Publication and Visibility of Notices
Correction notices, expressions of concern, and retraction notices will be clearly identified and made accessible to readers.
Where appropriate, each notice will include the title of the affected article, relevant author information, publication details, the nature of the concern, and the reasons for the editorial action.
The journal will seek to maintain clear connections between the original article and any related editorial notices, including reciprocal links where technically feasible.
Retracted articles will generally remain accessible as part of the scholarly record, accompanied by a prominent retraction notice or clear retraction marking.
Removal of published content will be considered only in exceptional circumstances, including applicable legal requirements, serious privacy concerns, or other compelling reasons.
The journal will seek to ensure that editorial notices remain accessible and accurately communicate the status of the affected publication.
7. Responsibilities of Authors
Authors are responsible for the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of their submitted manuscripts and published articles.
If an author discovers a significant error, inaccuracy, or ethical concern in a published article, the author should promptly inform the editorial office and cooperate in assessing and resolving the matter.
Authors are expected to:
- Report significant errors or concerns without unnecessary delay.
- Provide relevant information and supporting documentation when requested.
- Respond appropriately to reasonable editorial inquiries.
- Cooperate with necessary corrections, investigations, or retraction procedures.
- Support accurate and transparent communication concerning the status of their published research.
Requests initiated by authors for corrections or retractions will be evaluated according to their justification and supporting evidence. Submission of a request does not automatically result in the requested editorial action.
8. Editorial Independence and Integrity of the Scholarly Record
Decisions concerning corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions are made independently by the editorial team on the basis of available evidence, scholarly integrity, and applicable publication ethics standards.
Such decisions must not be improperly influenced by commercial interests, institutional pressure, personal relationships, or concerns regarding the reputation of the journal, authors, or affiliated institutions.
Altruistik is committed to ensuring that post-publication editorial actions are fair, transparent, proportionate, and consistent with the responsibility to preserve an accurate and trustworthy scholarly record.
This policy should be read together with the journal's policies on publication ethics, research integrity, conflicts of interest, peer review, and post-publication discussion.
Through the implementation of this policy, Altruistik seeks to strengthen accountability, maintain public confidence in scholarly publishing, and uphold the integrity of research in Guidance and Counseling, Educational Psychology, and related academic disciplines.
