Allegations of Research Misconduct

Journal of English Education Studies (JEES) is committed to protecting the integrity, credibility, and reliability of scholarly publications. The journal investigates credible allegations of research or publication misconduct involving manuscripts that have been submitted, accepted, or published. Allegations are handled fairly, confidentially, and without prejudging the individuals concerned. JEES follows the ethical principles and relevant guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in addressing suspected misconduct.

Research misconduct may include fabrication or falsification of data, plagiarism, manipulation of research findings, inappropriate modification of evidence, duplicate publication, fabricated references, false statements concerning ethical approval, misleading authorship information, citation manipulation, and manipulation of the peer-review process. In research involving students, teachers, or other participants, serious violations of informed consent, confidentiality, or participant protection may also raise research ethics concerns. Honest errors are distinguished from deliberate misconduct, although significant errors may still require editorial correction.

Authors, reviewers, readers, and other interested parties may report suspected misconduct through the journal's official contact channels. Reports should identify the manuscript or published article, describe the alleged problem, and provide relevant evidence or supporting documentation where possible. The identity of individuals submitting reports will be treated confidentially to the extent reasonably possible. Anonymous allegations may also be considered when the information is sufficiently specific and credible to justify further examination.

The Editor-in-Chief, or an independent editor when a conflict of interest exists, will conduct an initial assessment of the reported concern. The editorial team may request supporting research data, ethical approval documents, authorship declarations, or other relevant information. The individuals concerned will normally be given a reasonable opportunity to respond. If an investigation requires authority or access to records beyond the journal's responsibility, JEES may refer the matter to the relevant university, research institution, or other competent authority.

Based on the findings, editorial actions may include requesting clarification, requiring corrections, suspending the review process, rejecting a manuscript, or referring the matter to the relevant institution. For published articles, the journal may issue a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction when justified. Decisions must be based on verifiable evidence and the seriousness of the concern. The journal will maintain appropriate records of its investigations while respecting confidentiality, editorial independence, and the rights of the parties involved.