Misconduct Policy

Research Misconduct Investigation Procedure

 

The Journal of Islamic Studies, Prince of Songkla University (JOIS), is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity and publication ethics. Allegations of research or publication misconduct are treated with seriousness and handled through a structured, fair, and transparent investigative process.

This procedure establishes the framework through which the journal receives, evaluates, investigates, and resolves allegations of misconduct in accordance with internationally recognized ethical publishing standards.

1 Definition of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • Plagiarism
  • Redundant or duplicate publication
  • Data fabrication or falsification
  • Image or figure manipulation
  • Citation manipulation
  • Authorship misconduct
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest
  • Peer review manipulation
  • Ethical violations in human or animal research

Misconduct may be identified before or after publication.

2 Sources of Allegations

Allegations of misconduct may be brought to the journal’s attention by various parties, including:

  • Peer reviewers, Editorial board members, Readers or researchers
  • Institutional representatives, Whistleblowers, Co-authors

All allegations are taken seriously regardless of source.

3 Preliminary Assessment

Upon receiving an allegation, the editorial office conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the claim is credible. This stage may include:

  • Examination of similarity reports
  • Review of submitted files and verification of documentation
  • Internal editorial consultation

If the allegation is deemed unfounded or unsupported, no further action may be taken.

4 Formal Investigation

Where preliminary assessment indicates potential misconduct, a formal investigation will be initiated, involving:

  • Requesting written explanations from the authors
  • Examining original data or supporting materials
  • Reviewing peer review records and consulting subject experts
  • Seeking clarification from affiliated institutions

All investigations are conducted confidentially and impartially.

5 Institutional Collaboration

In cases involving serious misconduct, the journal may coordinate with relevant institutions, including affiliated universities, research ethics committees, funding agencies, and regulatory bodies. Institutional findings may inform editorial decisions.

6 Editorial Determination

Possible determinations include:

  • No misconduct established
  • Minor ethical concern requiring correction
  • Serious misconduct requiring editorial action

7 Editorial Actions and Outcomes

Depending on severity, actions may include:

  • Manuscript rejection / Request for correction or revision
  • Publication of clarification notices / Expression of concern / Article retraction
  • Notification to affiliated institutions / Temporary or permanent submission restrictions

All actions are proportional to the nature and impact of the misconduct.

8 Confidentiality and Fair Process

  • Protection of whistleblower identity where appropriate
  • Opportunity for authors to respond
  • Evidence-based evaluation and avoidance of conflicts of interest

9 Post-Publication Misconduct

Where misconduct is discovered after publication, the journal will initiate investigation. Outcomes may involve corrections, retractions, or public notices to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

10 Relationship to Publication Ethics

This procedure operates within the broader framework of policies governing plagiarism, authorship, peer review, and post-publication corrections.

11 Commitment to Research Integrity

JOIS affirms its commitment to protecting scholarly communication, regarding investigations as necessary mechanisms to uphold academic trust, transparency, and ethical responsibility.