R-W-C Policy (Retraction, Withdrawal, and Correction)

1. Introduction

The Journal of Educatio et Didactica is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record. This policy outlines the procedures and principles for Retraction, Withdrawal, and Correction of published or submitted manuscripts, in accordance with best practices in academic publishing and the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2. Withdrawal Policy

2.1 Definition

Withdrawal refers to the removal of a manuscript before it is formally published (i.e., while under review or accepted but not yet published online).

2.2 Grounds for Withdrawal

A manuscript may be withdrawn for the following reasons:

  • Author request with reasonable justification

  • Duplicate submission identified prior to publication

  • Serious errors discovered by authors or editors

  • Ethical concerns such as plagiarism or authorship disputes

2.3 Procedure

  • Authors must submit a formal written request to the Editor-in-Chief.

  • The editorial board will review the request.

  • If approved, the manuscript will be removed from the journal system.

  • Withdrawn manuscripts will not receive a DOI and will not appear in the journal archive.

3. Retraction Policy

3.1 Definition

Retraction applies to articles that have been formally published and are later found to be seriously flawed or unethical.

3.2 Grounds for Retraction

An article may be retracted due to:

  • Proven plagiarism or data fabrication/falsification

  • Redundant or duplicate publication

  • Serious methodological or analytical errors invalidating conclusions

  • Ethical violations (e.g., lack of informed consent, research misconduct)

  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest affecting the research integrity

3.3 Procedure

  • Retractions may be initiated by authors, editors, or third parties.

  • The editorial board will conduct an investigation.

  • Authors will be informed and given an opportunity to respond.

  • If retraction is confirmed:

    • The article will remain accessible for transparency.

    • A Retraction Notice will be published, clearly stating the reason.

    • The article will be clearly marked as “Retracted” on every page.

3.4 Retraction Notice

The notice will:

  • Be linked to the original article

  • Clearly state the reason for retraction

  • Distinguish between author error and misconduct

4. Correction Policy

4.1 Definition

A correction is issued when an article remains valid but contains minor errors that do not compromise the overall findings.

4.2 Types of Corrections

  • Typographical or formatting errors

  • Errors in author names, affiliations, or acknowledgments

  • Minor data or reference inaccuracies

4.3 Procedure

  • Corrections may be requested by authors or identified by editors.

  • The editorial board evaluates the significance of the error.

  • A Correction Notice (Erratum or Corrigendum) will be published.

  • The original article will be updated with a reference to the correction.

5. Editorial Responsibility

  • The Editor-in-Chief has the final authority on all R-W-C decisions.

  • The journal ensures transparency, fairness, and confidentiality during investigations.

  • All actions are documented and archived.

6. Ethical Standards

This policy adheres to:

  • COPE Retraction Guidelines

  • International standards of academic integrity

  • Best practices in scholarly publishing

7. Author Responsibility

Authors are responsible for:

  • Ensuring the originality and accuracy of their work

  • Promptly notifying the journal of significant errors

  • Cooperating fully during editorial investigations

8. Policy Updates

The Journal of Educatio et Didactica reserves the right to update this policy at any time in accordance with evolving ethical standards and publishing regulations.