Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics for the Journal of Modern Social Sciences (JMSS)

The Journal of Modern Social Sciences (JMSS) is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in all aspects of the publication process. The journal adheres to international ethical guidelines for scholarly publishing to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in research. This Code of Ethics outlines the responsibilities of authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher in maintaining these standards.

1. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting to JMSS are expected to uphold the following ethical principles:

  • Originality: Authors must ensure that their work is original and has not been previously published or simultaneously submitted to another journal. Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited.

  • Accurate Reporting: Authors should provide an accurate account of their research and its findings. Misleading statements, fabrication, or manipulation of data are unacceptable.

  • Authorship and Contribution: All authors listed on the manuscript must have made a significant contribution to the research. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors have agreed to the final version of the paper and its submission.

  • Acknowledgment of Sources: Authors must properly acknowledge all sources of information, data, and financial support that contributed to the research. Proper citations should be included for all references.

  • Conflict of Interest: Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation of their work, including financial, institutional, or personal relationships.

  • Ethical Compliance: Research involving human subjects, animals, or sensitive data must comply with relevant ethical guidelines. Authors should provide documentation of ethical approval where applicable.

  • Errors in Published Work: If an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, they are obligated to notify the journal’s editor promptly and cooperate with the retraction or correction process.

2. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers play a critical role in the peer-review process and are expected to adhere to the following ethical guidelines:

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must maintain confidentiality regarding the manuscripts they review. Information obtained through the review process should not be used for personal advantage.

  • Objectivity and Fairness: Reviews should be conducted objectively, and personal criticism of the author is inappropriate. Reviewers should provide constructive feedback that is specific, clear, and supported by evidence.

  • Timeliness: Reviewers are expected to complete their reviews within the agreed-upon timeframe. If they are unable to meet the deadline or feel unqualified to review a submission, they should notify the editor immediately.

  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as relationships with the authors or research institutions involved. If a conflict exists, they should recuse themselves from the review process.

3. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for overseeing the editorial process and ensuring that ethical standards are maintained:

  • Fair and Impartial Decision-Making: Editors must evaluate manuscripts solely based on their academic merit, relevance to the journal’s scope, and contribution to the field, without regard to the authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs.

  • Confidentiality: Editors must treat all submissions as confidential and not disclose information about submitted manuscripts to anyone except those directly involved in the review and publication process.

  • Conflict of Interest: Editors should not be involved in decisions about manuscripts in which they have a personal or financial interest. In such cases, they should delegate the decision-making process to another qualified editor.

  • Ethical Oversight: Editors should take steps to identify and prevent the publication of papers where research misconduct has occurred, including plagiarism, data falsification, or unethical experimentation. If misconduct is suspected, the editor should follow up with appropriate actions, including retracting the article or publishing corrections.

4. Responsibilities of the Publisher

The publisher, ASIA TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE Press, supports the journal in adhering to the highest standards of ethical publishing:

  • Transparency: The publisher ensures that all journal policies, including submission guidelines, peer review processes, and ethical standards, are clearly communicated to authors, reviewers, and editors.

  • Preservation of Published Content: The publisher is committed to the long-term preservation of published content, ensuring that all articles remain accessible through archives or repository services.

  • Correction and Retraction Policies: The publisher supports the correction or retraction of articles when necessary, in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

5. Research Misconduct

JMSS takes allegations of research misconduct seriously and will take appropriate action in cases where such behavior is suspected. Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, falsification of data, and unethical research practices. In cases of proven misconduct, JMSS reserves the right to retract published articles and notify relevant institutions.

6. Handling Complaints

Any complaints related to breaches of this Code of Ethics or other ethical concerns should be addressed to the editor-in-chief of JMSS. The journal will investigate all complaints thoroughly and in accordance with COPE guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency in the resolution process.

By adhering to this Code of Ethics, Journal of Modern Social Sciences ensures the integrity of the research it publishes and promotes trust and accountability in the academic community.