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

J-PSP requires editors and reviewers to preserve the confidentiality and integrity of submitted manuscripts when using artificial intelligence or AI-assisted technologies.

Editors must not upload manuscripts, figures, tables, supplementary files, reviewer reports, or other confidential submission materials to publicly accessible generative AI systems or external AI services that cannot guarantee confidentiality. AI tools must not replace independent editorial judgment or be used to make autonomous editorial decisions.

Reviewers must not upload confidential submission materials to publicly accessible generative AI systems or other external services that cannot guarantee confidentiality. AI tools must not replace the reviewer’s independent scholarly assessment or be used to generate substantive evaluations of a manuscript. Reviewers remain fully responsible for the content and integrity of their review reports.

Any routine use of automated tools by J-PSP or its publisher for text-similarity screening, integrity checks, reviewer suggestions, image or figure screening, workflow support, or related purposes must remain subject to appropriate human oversight. Automated outputs or integrity flags will not, by themselves, determine editorial action and will be reviewed by an editor or appropriately qualified member of the journal team.

3. Ethical Compliance and Accountability

Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, citations, data, analyses, and conclusions of their work regardless of whether AI or AI-assisted technologies have been used.

Where inappropriate or undisclosed use of AI is suspected, the journal may request clarification or supporting information from the authors and may seek additional expert advice where necessary. An allegation or automated AI-detection result will not, by itself, be treated as evidence of misconduct.

Suspected cases will be assessed fairly and on a case-by-case basis in accordance with J-PSP’s Ethics and Malpractice Statement and relevant COPE guidance. Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond before a final editorial determination is made.

Depending on the nature, seriousness, and available evidence of the concern, appropriate action may include clarification, revision, rejection, correction, expression of concern, retraction, or another proportionate editorial action. Where appropriate, the journal may also contact the authors’ institution, research integrity office, funder, or other relevant authority.

Retraction will not be applied automatically solely because AI use has been identified. Post-publication action will be determined according to whether and to what extent the integrity or reliability of the published scholarly record has been affected.

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 more details about the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies in scientific writing, you can find additional information here.

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