Suspected plagiarism in a received manuscript
- The reviewer informs the editor of suspected plagiarism.
- Thank the reviewer and let him or her know that you plan to investigate. Obtain complete documentary evidence, if it is not already available.
- Check the extension of the copied material (Four alternatives: 1, 2, 3 y 4).
1. Obvious plagiarism (use of a large portion of text or data without attribution, presented as if they were the work of the plagiarist)
Contact the author responsible for the article, it is highly recommended to attach the declaration of authorship (or cover letter) establishing that the work submitted is original and the work of the author, and the documentary evidence of plagiarism (Two alternatives: a and b)
a) The author responds (Two alternatives: x and y)
x) Unsatisfactory explanation or admission of guilt
Consider publishing a statement regarding redundant publication or retraction. Inform the editor of the other magazine involved.
Consider informing the author's superiors or the person responsible for research standards.
y) Satisfactory explanation (unintentional error, unclear journal instructions, or young researcher)
Write to the author (all authors, if possible) rejecting the article, explaining the journal's position and
expected future behavior.
Finally, inform the author(s) of the action taken and inform the reviewer of the result or action.
b) Does not respond
Try to contact all other authors (check the metadata on the OJS platform to find their emails and write again). If they respond, the alternative is resumed with a response, if they do not respond then:
Contact the center where the author works and request that your concern be conveyed to the author's superiors or the person responsible for research standards.
Try to obtain acknowledgment of receipt of the letter. If there is a response , write to the author (to all authors, if possible) rejecting the article, explaining the position of the journal and the expected behavior in the future. If there is no response, continue contacting the center every 3-6 months. If it is not resolved, consider the possibility of informing other higher authorities, meaning provincial directorates, ministries or other organizations.
2. Copy of shorter length, of short sentences only (e.g., in the discussion of a research article by a non-native author of the language). Without indications that the data of others have been offered as their own work
Contact the author in neutral terms, expressing disappointment and explaining the journal's position. Ask the author to rewrite the copied phrases or treat them as textual quotations, adding their corresponding bibliographical citations. Continue with the review.
3. Redundancy information (e.g., copying of the author's own material)
See redundancy information.
4. No problem
Comment with the reviewer.
