Corrections and Retractions

Generation Journal is committed to maintaining the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. When errors or serious concerns are identified in a published article, the journal will assess the available evidence and take appropriate editorial action to ensure that readers are informed and that the reliability of the published research is properly represented.

This policy covers corrections, retractions, expressions of concern, and the editorial procedures for addressing problems identified after publication. The journal follows recognized publication ethics principles, including the relevant guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Corrections

Generation Journal may publish a correction when an error is identified in a published article and the error can be addressed without retracting the entire article.

Corrections may be considered in cases involving, but not limited to:

  1. Errors in data, calculations, figures, tables, or other information that affect the interpretation of the article but do not invalidate its main findings and conclusions.

  2. Incorrect author names, affiliations, acknowledgments, or other publication details.

  3. Omitted or inaccurate declarations concerning funding, conflicts of interest, research ethics approval, or other relevant disclosures.

  4. Errors introduced during editorial processing, typesetting, or publication.

  5. Other inaccuracies that require formal correction to preserve the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record.

The journal will determine whether a correction is necessary based on the nature and significance of the error. Minor typographical or formatting errors that do not affect the meaning, interpretation, or reliability of an article may not require a formal correction notice.

A correction notice will clearly identify the affected article, describe the error, provide the corrected information, and explain the correction where necessary. The notice will be linked to the original article whenever technically possible.

2. Retractions

Generation Journal may retract a published article when there is clear evidence that its findings or conclusions are unreliable or that serious ethical or publication violations compromise the integrity of the scholarly record.

An article may be considered for retraction under circumstances including, but not limited to:

  1. There is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable as a result of research misconduct, such as data fabrication or falsification, or an honest error, such as a serious miscalculation or experimental error.

  2. The findings have been published elsewhere without appropriate cross-referencing, permission, or justification, resulting in redundant or duplicate publication.

  3. The article contains plagiarism.

  4. The research was conducted or reported in violation of applicable ethical requirements.

  5. Serious manipulation of images, data, authorship, or the peer-review process has compromised the reliability or integrity of the article.

  6. Other serious problems are identified that fundamentally undermine the validity, reliability, or integrity of the published work.

Retraction is intended to correct the scholarly record and alert readers to unreliable research, not to punish authors. A retraction will be considered proportionately and based on the available evidence.

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for the final editorial decision regarding retraction, subject to appropriate conflict-of-interest safeguards. An author's disagreement or refusal to consent to a retraction will not automatically prevent the journal from proceeding when the evidence and applicable procedures justify such action.

Retraction Notice

When an article is retracted, Generation Journal will publish a clearly identified retraction notice that:

  1. Identifies the retracted article by its title and authors.

  2. Explains the reason for retraction in sufficient detail to inform readers.

  3. Distinguishes, where established, between misconduct and an honest error.

  4. Identifies the party issuing the retraction, where appropriate.

  5. Provides a direct link to the original article and links the original article to the retraction notice whenever technically possible.

The retraction notice will be made openly accessible. The original article will normally remain available as part of the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as retracted, including in its online presentation and available full-text versions, as technically feasible.

3. Expressions of Concern

Generation Journal may publish an Expression of Concern when substantial questions arise about the reliability, integrity, or ethical acceptability of a published article, but the available evidence is insufficient to justify an immediate correction or retraction.

An Expression of Concern may be considered when:

  1. An investigation into suspected research or publication misconduct is ongoing and its outcome is not yet available.

  2. The available evidence raises serious concerns but remains inconclusive.

  3. A relevant institution or research organization has not completed an investigation within a reasonable period.

  4. There are other substantial unresolved concerns that may affect readers' assessment of the published work.

An Expression of Concern is intended to inform readers of significant unresolved issues. It does not, by itself, establish that misconduct has occurred.

The notice will identify the affected article, explain the nature of the concern to the extent that can appropriately be disclosed, and be linked to the original publication whenever technically possible.

When additional evidence becomes available, the journal will reassess the case and determine whether a correction, retraction, further notice, or no additional action is appropriate. An Expression of Concern may therefore be followed by a correction, a retraction, or a statement explaining the outcome of the investigation.

4. Editorial Procedures

When a possible error or serious concern involving a published article is brought to the attention of Generation Journal, the editorial team will assess the matter in accordance with the following procedures:

  1. Initial assessment: The editor will review the report, relevant article, supporting evidence, and the potential impact of the issue on the reliability or integrity of the publication.

  2. Request for clarification: Where appropriate, the journal will contact the corresponding author and other relevant parties to request an explanation, supporting documentation, or a response to the concerns.

  3. Further investigation: When necessary, the journal may consult independent experts, request additional evidence, or contact the relevant institution, research organization, or ethics committee.

  4. Editorial evaluation: The editor will evaluate the evidence and determine whether the matter warrants a correction, an Expression of Concern, a retraction, or another appropriate action.

  5. Decision and notification: The journal will communicate its decision to the relevant parties, where appropriate, and explain the basis for the editorial action.

  6. Publication of notice: Where a formal notice is required, the journal will publish it as promptly as reasonably possible and link it to the affected article whenever technically possible.

  7. Follow-up: The journal may review the case again if significant new evidence becomes available.

The journal will seek to handle cases fairly, objectively, and without unnecessary delay. Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond to concerns, but the absence of an author response will not automatically prevent the journal from taking appropriate action when sufficient evidence is available.

The journal will maintain appropriate records of the assessment, relevant correspondence, supporting evidence, and editorial decisions, subject to applicable confidentiality and data-protection requirements.

5. Editorial Independence and Fair Treatment

All decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions will be based on the available evidence and the potential impact of the issue on the scholarly record.

Generation Journal will handle concerns with appropriate confidentiality and will seek to avoid premature conclusions. Allegations of misconduct will not automatically be treated as established facts.

Editorial decisions will be made independently of commercial, financial, or other inappropriate external influences. Where an editor has a conflict of interest in a case, the journal will arrange for an appropriately independent person to handle the matter.

The journal will distinguish between honest mistakes and substantiated misconduct whenever the available evidence permits such a distinction.

6. Reference to Publication Ethics Guidelines

Generation Journal's handling of corrections, retractions, and Expressions of Concern is informed by the relevant guidance of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including its Retraction Guidelines.

The journal may update its procedures when relevant publication ethics guidance or publishing standards change.

For further information, please consult the COPE Retraction Guidelines:

https://doi.org/10.24318/cope.2019.1.4