Allegations of Research Misconduct

Allegations of Research Misconduct

Alamtara: Jurnal Komunikasi dan Penyiaran Islam (Alamtara), published by Universitas Tarbiyatut Tholabah, defines research misconduct as fabrication, falsification, citation manipulation, data re-engineering, undisclosed generative AI abuse, or plagiarism in proposing, performing, reviewing, or reporting research. The editorial board is fully committed to protecting the integrity and validity of the scientific record.

Investigation and Procedure

In addressing suspected research misconduct, Alamtara adheres strictly to the guidelines and flowcharts established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and Elsevier's research integrity principles. The inquiry process follows these steps:

  1. Initial Assessment: The Editor-in-Chief assesses the validity and grounds of the allegation, ensuring the reporting party has no hidden conflicts of interest.
  2. Author Inquiry: If substantial grounds exist, official written details of the allegation are shared with the corresponding author, requesting a formal response on behalf of all co-authors within a specified timeframe.
  3. Expert Review: The editorial team evaluates the response and may consult independent subject matter experts or statistical reviewers if necessary.
  4. Institutional Engagement: In cases of grave misconduct, Alamtara may contact the author's home institution to facilitate an official institutional investigation.

Outcomes and Sanctions

Depending on the severity and outcome of the investigation, the journal will take proportional action:

  • Unsubstantiated Concerns / Minor Errors: If misconduct is disproved or deemed an honest oversight, a formal clarification, Erratum, or Corrigendum notice will be issued.
  • Unpublished Manuscripts: If misconduct is identified during review, the manuscript will be immediately desk-rejected.
  • Published Articles: If severe misconduct is proven post-publication, the article will be retracted in accordance with our Correction, Retraction, and Withdrawal Policy.
Our investigation frameworks directly align with the COPE Misconduct Investigation Flowcharts and COPE Retraction Guidelines.