Ethical Standards of Publication

The journal Investigación & Praxis en Ciencias Sociales maintains a strong commitment to scientific integrity, editorial transparency, and good practices in scholarly publishing. The Journal conducts its activities in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing, and other international standards applicable to scholarly communication. All participants in the editorial process must act with honesty, responsibility, objectivity, and respect for the integrity of the scientific record.

Section I. Principles of Scientific Integrity

The journal Investigación & Praxis en Ciencias Sociales promotes a culture of scientific integrity based on the principles of honesty, originality, transparency, accountability, impartiality, and respect for intellectual property. Any conduct that compromises the reliability of the scientific record will be addressed in accordance with COPE recommendations and applicable institutional regulations.

The Journal considers the following, among others, to be forms of scientific misconduct:

  • Data fabrication or falsification.
  • Fraudulent manipulation of scientific results or images.
  • Plagiarism and self-plagiarism.
  • Duplicate or redundant publication.
  • Simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to different journals.
  • Manipulation of the peer review process.
  • False, guest, or unjustified authorship.

Section II. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must:

  • Submit original, unpublished, and scientifically rigorous manuscripts.
  • Ensure the authenticity of the data, results, and information reported.
  • Properly cite all sources used.
  • Disclose funding sources and potential conflicts of interest.
  • Ensure that authorship reflects only substantial intellectual contributions.
  • Not submit the same manuscript simultaneously to another journal.
  • Promptly inform the Editor-in-Chief when they identify significant errors in a published work and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions, where appropriate.

Section III. Responsibilities of the Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief shall perform their duties in accordance with the principles of editorial independence, impartiality, confidentiality, and scientific integrity.

  • Ensure that editorial decisions are based exclusively on the scientific merit of the manuscript.
  • Act without discrimination on the grounds of nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, ideology, or any other condition unrelated to the scientific content.
  • Manage conflicts of interest that may arise during the editorial process.
  • Preserve the confidentiality of manuscripts and the peer review process.
  • Promote the publication of corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions when sufficient evidence warrants such action.
  • Address allegations of potential scientific misconduct in accordance with COPE recommendations.

Section IV. Responsibilities of the Editorial Committee

  • Support the Editor-in-Chief in promoting good editorial practices.
  • Provide scientific and methodological advice when requested.
  • Maintain the confidentiality of information obtained during the editorial process.
  • Promptly disclose any conflict of interest that could affect their conduct.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the Journal's editorial quality.

Section V. Responsibilities of External Reviewers

External Reviewers play an essential role in ensuring the scientific quality of the Journal.

  • Conduct objective, well-founded, and respectful evaluations.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the manuscripts received.
  • Declare any conflict of interest before accepting a review assignment.
  • Refrain from using information contained in manuscripts for their own benefit or for the benefit of third parties.
  • Inform the Editor-in-Chief of potential cases of plagiarism, redundant publication, data manipulation, or any other scientific irregularity identified during the evaluation.
  • Meet the established deadlines or promptly notify the editorial team if they are unable to complete the evaluation.

Section VI. Responsibilities of the Editorial Assistant

  • Preserve the confidentiality of all editorial documentation.
  • Manage manuscripts in accordance with the procedures established by the Journal.
  • Maintain transparent communication with authors and External Reviewers.
  • Provide administrative support throughout the editorial process without intervening in editorial decisions.

Section VII. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, the Editor-in-Chief, members of the Editorial Committee, and External Reviewers must disclose any financial, institutional, academic, professional, or personal conflict of interest that could compromise the objectivity of the editorial process. When a conflict could affect the impartiality of an evaluation or editorial decision, the person involved must refrain from participating in the relevant procedure.

Section VIII. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

When significant errors are identified after publication or evidence of scientific misconduct emerges, the Journal will assess each case in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Depending on the nature and severity of the case, corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions may be issued, while preserving the integrity of the scientific record at all times.

Section IX. Complaints, Allegations, and Appeals

The journal Investigación & Praxis en Ciencias Sociales will receive complaints, allegations, and appeals concerning ethical or editorial matters through its official communication channels. All cases will be handled with strict confidentiality and examined by the Editor-in-Chief in accordance with COPE recommendations, ensuring due process, the right to respond, and an objective assessment of the available evidence.