Corrections and Retractions

The Journal of Consumer Sciences (JCS) is committed to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. Published articles may be subject to correction or retraction when significant errors or concerns regarding publication ethics are identified.

Grounds for Retraction

An article may be considered for retraction in cases involving:

  1. Plagiarism or redundant publication.

  2. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of research data.

  3. Major errors that invalidate the findings or conclusions.

  4. Serious breaches of research ethics, including failure to obtain ethical approval when required by applicable ethical standards and regulations.

  5. Unauthorized use of data, materials, or content.

  6. Undisclosed conflicts of interest that substantially affect the reliability or interpretation of the research.

  7. Serious irregularities in the peer-review or publication process that compromise the integrity of the article.

Retraction Procedure

When a potential problem is reported or identified, the editorial team will assess the available evidence and contact the relevant authors for clarification or response, where appropriate. The journal may consult reviewers, relevant institutions, or other experts when necessary.

The final decision to retract an article rests with the Editor-in-Chief, based on the evidence available and the journal’s publication ethics principles. Any conflict of interest involving the decision-maker will be addressed to ensure an impartial decision.

Implementation of Retractions

When an article is retracted, the journal will publish a clearly identified retraction notice explaining the reasons for the decision. The notice will be linked to the original article, and the article will remain accessible with a clear retraction label to preserve the transparency of the scholarly record.

Corrections and Expressions of Concern

When an error does not invalidate the main findings of an article, the journal may publish a correction. When serious concerns remain unresolved or an investigation is ongoing, the journal may issue an expression of concern, where appropriate.

All cases will be handled fairly and transparently, with the aim of maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. This policy is informed by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidance on retractions.