ECJ

Correction and Retraction Policy

CORRECTION AND RETRACTION POLICY

English Community Journal (ECJ) is committed to maintaining the integrity, accuracy, transparency, and reliability of the scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors may be identified in published articles and that concerns regarding research integrity or publication ethics may arise after publication.

In addressing these matters, ECJ follows relevant guidelines and recommendations established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including its guidance on corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions.

Authors, readers, reviewers, and other interested parties are encouraged to report potential errors or concerns through the journal's official Contact page.

Depending on the nature, severity, and implications of the identified issue, English Community Journal may issue a Correction, Expression of Concern, or Retraction to maintain the accuracy and integrity of its published scholarly content.

1. Corrections (Erratum and Corrigendum)

Corrections are issued when errors are identified in a published article but do not substantially undermine the reliability of its main findings, interpretations, or conclusions.

Corrections ensure that the scholarly record remains accurate, transparent, and useful to future researchers.

1.1. Erratum

An Erratum is generally issued when an error is introduced by the journal during editorial production, copyediting, typesetting, or publication.

Examples include:

  • Incorrect formatting or placement of tables and figures.

  • Production-related typographical errors.

  • Incorrectly displayed author affiliations.

  • Errors in article metadata introduced during publication.

  • Accidental omissions or formatting problems that affect the clarity of the published article.

1.2. Corrigendum

A Corrigendum is generally issued when an author identifies or acknowledges an unintentional error in a published article.

Examples include:

  • Incorrect numerical values that do not invalidate the findings.

  • Mislabeled graphs, tables, or figures.

  • Inaccuracies in methodological descriptions that require clarification.

  • Errors in author-provided affiliations or acknowledgments.

  • Minor analytical or reporting errors that do not substantially alter the principal conclusions.

1.3. Publication of Correction Notices

When a correction is warranted:

  1. The editorial team evaluates the reported error and its implications for the article.

  2. The authors may be contacted to provide clarification or supporting documentation.

  3. A formal correction notice is prepared, explaining the nature of the error and the correction made.

  4. The notice is published and clearly linked to the original article.

  5. The original article remains accessible, with an appropriate indication that a correction has been issued.

Corrections must not be used to conceal substantial changes to research findings or replace unreliable conclusions without appropriate editorial action.

2. Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern is a formal editorial notice intended to inform readers that significant questions regarding the reliability or integrity of a published article remain unresolved.

An Expression of Concern may be issued when:

  • Credible concerns about research or publication misconduct require further investigation.

  • An institutional investigation is ongoing or significantly delayed.

  • The available evidence is inconclusive, but the potential implications for the scholarly record are substantial.

  • Authors or relevant institutions cannot provide sufficient clarification within a reasonable period.

  • Immediate notification to readers is necessary while the underlying concerns are being assessed.

An Expression of Concern does not automatically establish that misconduct has occurred.

2.1. Publication and Follow-Up

When an Expression of Concern is issued:

  1. The editorial team prepares a notice explaining the nature of the unresolved concerns.

  2. The notice is published and clearly linked to the affected article.

  3. The article remains accessible unless exceptional legal or ethical circumstances require otherwise.

  4. The editorial team monitors the investigation and considers additional evidence.

  5. The notice is updated or followed by an appropriate editorial action when sufficient information becomes available.

An Expression of Concern may ultimately be resolved through a correction, retraction, or a statement explaining that the concerns have been satisfactorily addressed.

3. Retractions

A Retraction is issued when reliable evidence establishes that a published article contains substantially unreliable findings or serious violations of research or publication integrity.

English Community Journal follows relevant COPE guidance when evaluating the necessity and appropriateness of retraction.

3.1. Grounds for Retraction

Retraction may be warranted in circumstances including:

  • Clear evidence that findings are unreliable because of major errors, data fabrication, or data falsification.

  • Serious plagiarism or misappropriation of scholarly work.

  • Redundant or duplicate publication without appropriate justification or disclosure.

  • Unethical research practices that substantially compromise the integrity or legitimacy of the research.

  • Manipulation or misrepresentation of research data, images, figures, or supporting evidence.

  • Serious peer-review manipulation or other publication misconduct.

  • Significant undisclosed conflicts of interest that materially compromise the reliability or integrity of the publication.

An unintentional error does not automatically require retraction. The editorial team considers whether the error can be adequately addressed through a correction or whether it substantially invalidates the findings.

3.2. Retraction Procedure

When retraction is being considered:

  1. The editorial team examines the available evidence and assesses the seriousness of the concern.

  2. The corresponding author and other relevant parties are normally invited to provide explanations or supporting documentation.

  3. Where appropriate, the journal consults the authors' affiliated institutions, research ethics committees, or other relevant authorities.

  4. The Editor-in-Chief, or an independent editor where a conflict of interest exists, evaluates the evidence and determines the appropriate editorial action.

  5. If retraction is warranted, the journal publishes a formal Retraction Notice.

3.3. Retraction Notice

A Retraction Notice should:

  • Clearly identify the original article, including its title, authors, publication details, and DOI where available.

  • Explain the specific reasons for the retraction.

  • Identify the party issuing the retraction, such as the authors, editorial team, or publisher.

  • Clearly distinguish established findings from unresolved allegations.

  • Be publicly accessible and appropriately linked to the original article.

3.4. Preservation of Retracted Articles

Retracted articles should ordinarily remain accessible as part of the scholarly record, clearly marked as RETRACTED.

The original article and its bibliographic metadata should be retained to preserve transparency, accountability, and the traceability of scholarly citations.

Removal of published content should be considered only in exceptional circumstances involving legal requirements, serious privacy concerns, or other compelling ethical reasons.

Retraction notices must not be used to erase the publication history of an article.

4. Resolution Mechanism

English Community Journal handles post-publication concerns through a fair, systematic, confidential, and evidence-based editorial process.

4.1. Initial Inquiry

Upon receiving a report concerning potential errors or misconduct, the editorial team conducts a preliminary assessment to determine:

  • The nature and credibility of the concern.

  • The availability and relevance of supporting evidence.

  • The possible implications for the reliability of the published article.

  • Whether further clarification or investigation is necessary.

4.2. Author Consultation

The editorial team may contact the corresponding author to request:

  • A written explanation of the reported issue.

  • Relevant research data or supporting documentation.

  • Clarification of analytical procedures or published findings.

  • Other information necessary for a fair assessment.

Authors will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond before a final editorial decision is made.

4.3. Institutional Involvement

Where allegations concern serious research misconduct or require access to original research records beyond the journal's investigative authority, English Community Journal may refer the matter to:

  • The authors' affiliated institutions.

  • Institutional research ethics committees.

  • Relevant research funding organizations.

  • Other appropriate authorities.

Institutional findings may inform the editorial assessment, while responsibility for correcting the published scholarly record remains with the journal and its publisher.

4.4. Final Editorial Decision

The Editor-in-Chief of English Community Journal, or an appropriately designated independent editor where a conflict of interest exists, is responsible for determining the appropriate editorial action.

Decisions are based on the available evidence, applicable publication ethics principles, the reliability of the published content, and relevant COPE guidance.

Depending on the circumstances, the journal may publish a Correction, an Expression of Concern, a Retraction, or a statement explaining that no corrective action is warranted.

4.5. Appeals and Reconsideration

Authors or other affected parties may submit a reasoned appeal when they identify significant factual errors, procedural concerns, or relevant new evidence.

Where practicable, appeals will be evaluated by an independent editor who was not involved in the original decision.

Appeals do not automatically suspend editorial measures necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

5. Editorial Transparency and Publication Ethics

English Community Journal is committed to ensuring that post-publication changes are appropriately documented, accessible, and transparent.

Published articles must not be silently modified, replaced, or removed in ways that obscure the publication record.

This policy complements the journal's Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement, Allegations of Research Misconduct Policy, Post-Publication Discussion Policy, and Conflict of Interest Policy.

Reference

Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Retraction guidelines and publication ethics resources. https://publicationethics.org/