Post-Publication Correction & Retraction Policy

The Journal of Development and Social Sciences (JDSS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the published academic record. Once an article is published, it becomes part of the permanent scholarly literature. If an error, ethical concern, or other serious problem is identified after publication, JDSS may publish a correction, retraction, or other appropriate editorial notice.

JDSS follows recognized publication-ethics principles and considers relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when dealing with post-publication concerns.

1. Correction Notices

A correction is issued when an error is identified in a published article but the error does not affect the main findings or overall validity of the research.

Erratum

An Erratum is normally issued when a significant error has been introduced by the journal during editing, typesetting, formatting, or publication.

Corrigendum

A Corrigendum is normally issued when a significant error or omission is identified in the material supplied or approved by the authors. Examples may include incorrect figures or tables, calculation errors that do not change the main findings, or omitted acknowledgements.

Correction notices will clearly identify the article concerned and explain what has been corrected. Where technically possible, the correction notice and the original article will be directly linked so that readers can easily identify the updated information.

2. Retraction

A Retraction may be issued when the published findings, data, or conclusions are no longer considered reliable because of a serious error or confirmed research or publication misconduct.

Grounds for Retraction

An article may be considered for retraction in circumstances such as:

  • Serious errors in data, calculations, methodology, or analysis that substantially affect the findings.
  • Fabrication or falsification of research data or results.
  • Serious plagiarism or substantial unattributed use of another person's work.
  • Duplicate or redundant publication that significantly affects the integrity of the scholarly record.
  • Serious authorship or publication misconduct.
  • Research conducted without required ethical approval or appropriate consent where this substantially affects the validity or ethical acceptability of the work.
  • Other circumstances in which the reliability or integrity of the published article is seriously compromised.

Handling of Retracted Articles

A retracted article will normally remain available as part of the scholarly record rather than being completely removed from the journal platform. The article will be clearly identified as “RETRACTED”, and a separate Retraction Notice will explain the reason for the retraction.

The Retraction Notice will be linked to the original article so that readers are clearly informed of the article's status.

3. Expression of Concern

JDSS may publish an Expression of Concern when there is a substantial and credible concern about a published article, but the available information is not yet sufficient to make a final decision.

This may apply, for example, when:

  • There is credible initial evidence of possible research or publication misconduct.
  • An institutional or other formal investigation is still in progress.
  • The investigation has been significantly delayed and readers need to be informed of the unresolved concern.

An Expression of Concern is not itself a finding of misconduct. After the matter is resolved, JDSS may issue a Correction, Retraction, or other appropriate editorial notice depending on the outcome.

4. Withdrawal Policy

Pre-Publication Withdrawal

An author may request withdrawal of a manuscript while it is still under review or before final publication. Such a request should be submitted formally to the editorial office and, where there are multiple authors, should normally be approved by all authors.

JDSS will review the request and decide whether withdrawal can be permitted. Withdrawn manuscripts will be removed from the active editorial process, while relevant internal records may be retained for administrative and ethical purposes.

Post-Publication Withdrawal

Once an article has been formally published, it will not normally be deleted or removed from the journal's scholarly record.

If a serious problem is identified after publication, JDSS will address the matter through an appropriate Correction, Retraction, Expression of Concern, or other formal editorial notice, rather than simply deleting the published article.

5. Editorial Procedure

When a post-publication concern is received, JDSS may follow the following process:

  1. Initial Assessment: The Editor-in-Chief and/or Editorial Board will examine the concern and determine whether further investigation is necessary.
  2. Communication with Authors: The authors will normally be informed of the concern and given a reasonable opportunity to provide an explanation, relevant data, or supporting documents.
  3. Further Review: Where necessary, JDSS may consult reviewers, subject experts, research institutions, ethics bodies, or other appropriate sources of information.
  4. Editorial Decision: Based on the available evidence, JDSS may issue a Correction, Retraction, Expression of Concern, or other appropriate notice.
  5. Publication of Notice: Formal notices will clearly identify the affected article and explain the reason for the editorial action.
  6. Linking and Indexing: Where applicable, formal post-publication notices will be linked to the original article and relevant metadata will be updated in the journal's systems and communicated to indexing or abstracting services where appropriate.

6. Fairness and Transparency

JDSS will handle post-publication concerns carefully and fairly. An allegation will not automatically be treated as proof of misconduct. Authors will normally be given an opportunity to respond before a final decision is made.

The primary purpose of this policy is to protect the reliability of the scholarly record while ensuring that authors, readers, and other concerned parties are treated fairly.

7. Policy Inquiries

Questions or concerns regarding post-publication corrections, retractions, Expressions of Concern, or related editorial matters may be directed to the JDSS editorial office:

Email:editor@jdss.org.pk
Journal: Journal of Development and Social Sciences (JDSS)
Publisher: Orients Social Research Consultancy (OSRC)