Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics and Usage Policy

PURPOSE OF THE POLICY

The Student Journal of Technology and Educational Research (SJTER) recognizes the increasing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and writing. This policy aims to promote the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of AI technologies in manuscript preparation, review, and publication, while upholding the principles of academic integrity, originality, and scholarly accountability.

This policy applies to all authors, reviewers, editors, and contributors involved in the journal.

DEFINITION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

For the purposes of this policy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to software or systems capable of generating text, images, data analysis, translations, summaries, or other outputs that may assist in research and writing. Examples include, but are not limited to, large language models (e.g., ChatGPT), grammar-checking tools, paraphrasing tools, and automated data analysis systems.

ACCEPTABLE USES OF AI

The journal allows the limited and responsible use of AI tools for the following purposes:

  • Improving grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity of language
  • Formatting references and citations (subject to author verification)
  • Supporting data analysis (e.g., coding assistance, statistical verification)
  • Language translation for non-native English speakers
  • Assisting in idea organization or outlining (should be carefully reviewed and substantially revised by the author)

AI use must remain assistive and should not replace the author’s intellectual contribution, critical thinking, or scholarly judgment.

UNACCEPTABLE USES OF AI

The following uses of AI are strictly prohibited:

  • Generating entire manuscripts or substantial sections (e.g., abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results, or discussion) without significant human authorship
  • Using AI to fabricate data, results, references, or citations
  • Submitting AI-generated content as original scholarly work
  • Using AI to manipulate images, figures, or data in a misleading manner
  • Listing AI tools as authors or co-authors
  • Using AI to bypass plagiarism detection or journal screening processes

AUTHORSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Authors bear full responsibility for the content of their manuscripts, regardless of whether AI tools were used. AI tools:

  • Cannot be credited as authors or co-authors
  • Cannot take responsibility for ethical compliance, accuracy, or originality

All submitted work must reflect the authors’ own scholarly contribution, interpretation, and accountability.

DISCLOSURE OF AI USE

Authors are required to declare the use of AI tools in manuscript preparation. A disclosure statement must be included in the manuscript, usually placed before the reference list.

Sample Disclosure Statement:

“The authors declare that AI tools were used solely for language editing and clarity improvement. All intellectual content, analysis, and interpretations are the authors’ own.”

Failure to disclose AI use may result in desk rejection or retraction.

AI SIMILARITY THRESHOLD

  • Manuscripts must not exceed 20% AI-generated content, as determined by the journal’s AI-detection or similarity-checking tools (e.g., Turnitin)
  • Sections requiring high intellectual rigor (e.g., results, discussion, conclusions) are expected to show minimal to no AI-generated text

Manuscripts exceeding the allowable threshold will be returned to the authors for revision or may be rejected.

PLAGARISM AND AI-GENERATED TEXT

AI-generated content is subject to the same plagiarism and originality standards as human-authored text. Authors must ensure that:

  • AI-assisted paraphrasing does not result in patchwriting or disguised plagiarism
  • All sources are properly cited and verifiable
  • Generated text does not replicate existing published works

The journal employs plagiarism and AI-detection tools as part of its editorial screening.

ETHICAL USE OF AI IN RESEARCH DATA

  • The methodology must be clearly described and reproducible
  • AI tools must not be used to alter, fabricate, or selectively report data
  • Any AI-assisted analytical process must be transparent and verifiable

USE OF AI BY REVIEWERS AND EDITORS

Reviewers and editors may use AI tools only for:

  • Language polishing of review reports
  • Checking clarity and structure of feedback

They must not:

  • Upload full manuscripts into public AI systems
  • Use AI to generate peer-review decisions
  • Breach confidentiality of submitted manuscripts

All editorial judgments must remain human-led.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PRIVACY

  • Confidential or unpublished manuscripts are not shared with AI platforms that store or reuse data
  • Sensitive data comply with institutional, national, and international data protection regulations

NON-COMPLIANCE AND SANCTIONS

  • Request for revision or clarification
  • Desk rejection of the manuscript
  • Retraction of published articles
  • Notification to the author’s institution, in cases of serious ethical misconduct

The journal reserves the right to take appropriate action in accordance with academic publishing ethics.

POLICY REVIEW AND UPDATES

This Responsible AI Use Policy shall be periodically reviewed and updated to reflect developments in AI technologies and academic publishing standards.

COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Student Journal of Technology and Educational Research is committed to fostering ethical research practices, academic honesty, and responsible innovation. Authors are expected to uphold these principles in all stages of scholarly work.