Plagiarism Policy

he Numerate Journal emphasizes the importance of academic integrity and originality in research. To uphold these values, we have established a comprehensive plagiarism policy that outlines our expectations for authors, the review process, and the consequences of plagiarism.

1. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or expressions without proper attribution, thereby presenting them as one’s own. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying text verbatim without quotation marks or proper citation.
  • Paraphrasing someone else's ideas or findings without appropriate acknowledgment.
  • Using images, tables, or data from other sources without permission and proper credit.
  • Submitting work that has been previously published without disclosure (self-plagiarism).

2. Similarity Threshold

To maintain the integrity of the research published in the Numerate Journal, we utilize plagiarism detection software to screen all submitted manuscripts. Our policy includes the following guidelines:

  • Similarity Index: Manuscripts are expected to have a similarity index of under 20%, excluding references and properly cited materials. This threshold allows for minor common phrases and widely-used terminology while ensuring originality in the content.

  • Exclusion of References: Similarity scores will not consider references, as proper citation should not be penalized. Authors are encouraged to cite sources accurately to demonstrate the foundation of their research.

3. Submission Process

  • Plagiarism Check: Authors are strongly encouraged to conduct their own plagiarism checks using reliable software before submission. This proactive measure helps authors identify and address any potential issues related to originality.

  • Declaration of Originality: Authors must include a declaration of originality with their submission, affirming that their work is free from plagiarism and has not been submitted elsewhere for publication.

4. Review Process

  • Initial Screening: Upon submission, the editorial team will run each manuscript through plagiarism detection software. Manuscripts that exceed the 20% similarity threshold will be flagged for further review.

  • Review Team Evaluation: If a manuscript is flagged, it will undergo a comprehensive evaluation by the editorial team and peer reviewers. They will assess the nature of the similarities and determine whether the manuscript can be revised and resubmitted.

5. Consequences of Plagiarism

  • Rejection of Manuscript: Manuscripts found to have significant plagiarism issues (exceeding the 20% threshold) may be rejected outright. Authors will receive feedback outlining the specific areas of concern related to originality.

  • Retraction of Published Articles: If plagiarism is identified after publication, the Numerate Journal reserves the right to retract the article. This action will be taken to maintain the journal's integrity and uphold academic standards.

  • Reporting: In cases of severe misconduct, the journal may report the authors to their affiliated institutions or relevant academic bodies, which can lead to further disciplinary actions.

6. Author Responsibilities

  • Commitment to Integrity: Authors are responsible for ensuring that their work adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity. This includes conducting thorough literature reviews, proper citation practices, and ensuring the originality of their research.

  • Educational Resource: The Numerate Journal encourages authors to utilize available resources on citation practices, plagiarism prevention, and academic writing to enhance their understanding and implementation of ethical research practices.