Plagiarism Policy and Similarity Screening

 

JKPK (Jurnal Kimia dan Pendidikan Kimia) is committed to upholding the principles of originality, academic integrity, transparency, and ethical responsibility in scholarly publishing. The journal recognizes that plagiarism and the misappropriation of intellectual contributions constitute serious violations of publication ethics that undermine the credibility, reliability, and integrity of scientific research. All manuscripts submitted to JKPK must present original scholarly contributions, appropriately acknowledge existing knowledge, and comply with established standards of responsible research and publication practices. Authors are expected to demonstrate academic honesty in reporting research findings, developing scientific arguments, and acknowledging the intellectual contributions of other researchers.

To safeguard the integrity of the scholarly record, JKPK implements plagiarism prevention measures, similarity screening, and evidence-based editorial assessment throughout the submission, peer-review, and publication processes. This policy is informed by internationally recognized standards of publication ethics, particularly the principles and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), and applies to all manuscripts submitted to or articles published in JKPK.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to the use, reproduction, appropriation, or presentation of another individual's words, ideas, research findings, data, methodologies, or other intellectual contributions without appropriate acknowledgment or attribution. Plagiarism may involve published or unpublished materials and may occur through direct textual reproduction, inadequate paraphrasing, misrepresentation of original contributions, or unauthorized use of scholarly materials. Such practices compromise academic integrity by obscuring the origin of intellectual contributions and potentially misleading readers regarding the originality of the reported research.

JKPK recognizes that plagiarism is not limited to textual similarities identified through automated detection systems. The inappropriate use of research data, experimental results, figures, tables, theoretical frameworks, educational instruments, or other intellectual materials may constitute plagiarism when the original sources are not properly acknowledged. The journal therefore distinguishes plagiarism from legitimate scholarly reuse, appropriately attributed methodological descriptions, established scientific terminology, and transparent references to previously published research. Editorial determinations will consider the nature, context, extent, and significance of the material involved rather than relying exclusively on numerical similarity indicators.

Types of Plagiarism and Related Publication Practices

JKPK recognizes several forms of plagiarism and related practices that may compromise scholarly originality, including but not limited to the following:

  1. Direct Plagiarism: Reproducing sentences, paragraphs, or substantial portions of another author's work without appropriate quotation, citation, or acknowledgment, thereby presenting the material as an original intellectual contribution.
  2. Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Rewriting, restructuring, or modifying another author's statements, explanations, or arguments without properly acknowledging the original source, including circumstances in which the wording has been substantially altered while the underlying intellectual contribution remains unattributed.
  3. Idea Plagiarism: Presenting another researcher's original concepts, hypotheses, theoretical frameworks, scientific explanations, analytical approaches, or interpretations as one's own without appropriate attribution.
  4. Data, Figure, and Material Plagiarism: Using research data, experimental findings, graphs, tables, figures, illustrations, educational instruments, assessment materials, or other scholarly resources without proper acknowledgment or necessary authorization.
  5. Self-Plagiarism and Inappropriate Text Recycling: Reusing substantial portions of an author's previously published text, analyses, findings, or other scholarly material without appropriate citation, disclosure, or editorial justification. The acceptability of text recycling depends on its extent, location within the manuscript, acknowledgment of the original source, and implications for the originality of the submitted research.
  6. Translation Plagiarism: Translating previously published scholarly materials from one language into another and presenting the translated content as an original contribution without acknowledging the original publication.
  7. Duplicate or Redundant Publication: Submitting or publishing substantially overlapping research findings in more than one publication without appropriate disclosure, justification, or acknowledgment. Although redundant publication is conceptually distinct from plagiarism in certain circumstances, it represents a related violation of responsible scholarly publishing.

The editorial team will evaluate suspected violations according to the nature, extent, context, and significance of the material involved. Legitimate reuse of established terminology, properly acknowledged sources, or necessary methodological descriptions does not automatically constitute plagiarism. However, appropriate citation alone does not justify extensive reproduction of previously published material when such reuse compromises the originality of the submitted manuscript or violates applicable copyright requirements.

Plagiarism Screening and Similarity Threshold

All manuscripts submitted to JKPK are subject to similarity screening using Turnitin as part of the journal's initial editorial assessment. In accordance with the journal's similarity screening policy, the maximum permitted overall similarity score is 20%. Manuscripts with similarity scores of 20% or below may proceed to peer review, provided that they satisfy the journal's other editorial, scientific, and ethical requirements. Manuscripts exceeding this threshold may be returned to the authors for revision or rejected following editorial assessment, depending on the nature, extent, and significance of the identified similarities.

Similarity screening is intended to identify potentially problematic textual overlap and assist editors in evaluating manuscript originality. The editorial team examines similarity reports by considering the sources and distribution of matched content, the adequacy of citations and acknowledgments, the presence of legitimate quotations, the reuse of standard methodological descriptions, and the potential misrepresentation of scholarly contributions. Similarities arising from conventional scientific terminology, appropriately attributed material, or standardized methodological expressions are evaluated in their relevant scientific context.

A similarity score does not independently establish whether plagiarism has occurred. Manuscripts with similarity scores of 20% or below are not automatically considered free from plagiarism, particularly when substantial unattributed intellectual contributions are identified. Conversely, a similarity score exceeding 20% does not, by itself, constitute conclusive evidence of plagiarism. Nevertheless, compliance with the journal's established similarity threshold remains an editorial requirement, and manuscripts exceeding the threshold must undergo further assessment before any decision regarding their progression in the publication process.

Where necessary, similarity screening may be repeated following substantive revisions or before final publication. The editorial team retains responsibility for interpreting similarity reports, determining the acceptability of identified overlaps, and deciding whether additional clarification, manuscript revision, or further editorial action is required. Authors are expected to address similarity concerns through substantive improvement, accurate attribution, and transparent disclosure rather than through superficial modifications intended solely to reduce numerical similarity scores.

Text Recycling and Reuse of Previously Published Work

JKPK recognizes that limited reuse of previously published material may occur in scientific writing, particularly when authors describe standardized experimental procedures, established analytical techniques, or methodological approaches that have been documented in earlier publications. Such reuse must be appropriately attributed, transparently disclosed where necessary, and consistent with applicable copyright and licensing requirements. The journal evaluates text recycling according to the extent of reused material, its location within the manuscript, the nature of the original publication, and its potential influence on the originality and scientific contribution of the submitted research.

Limited textual overlap within methodological descriptions may be acceptable when necessary to maintain scientific accuracy, clarity, and reproducibility, provided that relevant sources are properly acknowledged and the reuse does not misrepresent the originality of the work. In contrast, substantial reuse of previously published results, discussions, interpretations, or conclusions without appropriate disclosure may constitute unacceptable text recycling or redundant publication. Authors must ensure that manuscripts derived from related research outputs present distinguishable scholarly contributions and do not create misleading impressions regarding the novelty of their findings.

Authors are expected to disclose relevant relationships between submitted manuscripts and previously disseminated work, including journal articles, conference proceedings, preprints, theses, dissertations, or other research outputs, where applicable. The existence of previously disseminated material does not automatically disqualify a manuscript; however, the authors must demonstrate that the submitted work satisfies JKPK's originality requirements and complies with applicable editorial policies.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring that all manuscripts submitted to JKPK are original, appropriately referenced, and free from plagiarism or other forms of intellectual misappropriation. Every source contributing substantially to the research background, theoretical framework, methodology, analysis, or interpretation must be acknowledged accurately and consistently. Authors must clearly distinguish their original findings and arguments from existing scholarly knowledge and obtain appropriate permission when reproducing copyrighted materials.

All listed authors share responsibility for the originality, accuracy, and integrity of the submitted manuscript. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript, that relevant sources have been appropriately acknowledged, and that potentially overlapping research outputs have been adequately disclosed. Authors must not submit substantially identical manuscripts to multiple journals simultaneously or misrepresent previously published findings as entirely new research.

The use of reference management software, paraphrasing applications, translation tools, or artificial intelligence-assisted writing technologies does not diminish authors' responsibility to maintain scholarly originality and proper attribution. Authors must verify the accuracy of all references, ensure that AI-assisted content does not reproduce unattributed scholarly materials, and comply with the journal's applicable policies governing the responsible use and disclosure of artificial intelligence in research and manuscript preparation.

Editorial Assessment and Handling of Suspected Plagiarism

When potential plagiarism is identified during similarity screening, initial editorial assessment, peer review, or subsequent publication processes, the editorial team will evaluate the available evidence before determining an appropriate course of action. The assessment will consider the nature and extent of the overlapping material, the adequacy of attribution, the originality of the affected content, and the potential implications for the scientific contribution and integrity of the manuscript. Particular attention will be given to distinguishing correctable citation deficiencies or inappropriate paraphrasing from substantial intellectual misappropriation or deliberate misrepresentation of scholarly originality.

Where the concern requires clarification, the corresponding author may be contacted and requested to explain the identified similarities, provide relevant documentation, or submit a revised manuscript. Authors will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond to substantive concerns before an editorial decision is finalized. The editorial team may consult independent experts, examine original source materials, or seek assistance from relevant research institutions when the issues cannot be adequately resolved through ordinary editorial assessment.

Suspected plagiarism will be handled in accordance with JKPK's Allegations of Research Misconduct policy and relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Editorial decisions will be based on documented evidence, scientific judgment, and the seriousness of the concerns rather than solely on automated similarity scores or unsupported allegations.

Editorial Decisions and Possible Actions

Depending on the nature, severity, and substantiation of the identified similarity or plagiarism concerns, JKPK may implement the following editorial actions:

  1. Proceed to Peer Review: Manuscripts that meet the journal's maximum similarity threshold of 20% and satisfy the other requirements of the initial editorial assessment may proceed to external peer review when no substantive plagiarism concerns have been identified.
  2. Request for Clarification: When potentially problematic similarities require additional explanation, verification of original sources, supporting documentation, or clarification of the relationship between the submitted manuscript and previously published materials, the editorial team may request further information from the authors.
  3. Manuscript Revision: Manuscripts containing correctable citation deficiencies, inappropriate paraphrasing, excessive textual overlap, or other issues that can be adequately resolved may be returned to the authors for substantive revision. Revised manuscripts may undergo additional similarity screening and editorial assessment before further consideration.
  4. Rejection of Manuscript: Manuscripts may be rejected when substantial plagiarism, serious misrepresentation of intellectual contributions, unacceptable redundant publication, or other significant violations of scholarly originality are substantiated. Manuscripts that fail to satisfy the journal's similarity requirements after appropriate editorial consideration may also be rejected.
  5. Further Investigation: When available evidence indicates potentially serious research or publication misconduct requiring independent assessment, institutional clarification, or additional documentation, the editorial team may initiate further evaluation or refer the matter to an appropriate research institution.
  6. Post-Publication Corrective Action: When plagiarism or related publication integrity violations are identified after publication, JKPK may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the nature and severity of the issue and its implications for the integrity and reliability of the published article.

Editorial actions will be proportionate to the seriousness of the identified concerns and implemented in accordance with the journal's established publication ethics procedures. The purpose of such actions is to protect the integrity of the scholarly record while ensuring fair and evidence-based editorial decision-making.

Plagiarism Identified After Publication

JKPK recognizes that concerns regarding originality, intellectual attribution, or inappropriate reuse of scholarly materials may emerge after an article has been published. Reports of suspected plagiarism will be evaluated objectively, irrespective of the time elapsed since publication, provided that sufficiently credible information or supporting evidence is available. The editorial team will assess the potential implications of the identified concerns for the originality, reliability, and integrity of the published research.

When plagiarism is suspected in a published article, the editorial team may examine the original sources, request clarification and supporting documentation from the authors, consult independent experts, or seek assistance from relevant research institutions. A formal correction may be appropriate when limited attribution errors can be adequately resolved without materially undermining the principal scholarly contribution. Where substantial plagiarism or serious misappropriation of intellectual contributions compromises the integrity of the publication, retraction may be warranted.

All corrective actions will be implemented in accordance with JKPK's Correction and Retraction and Allegations of Research Misconduct policies. Formal editorial notices will be clearly identified, publicly accessible, and linked to the original article where technically feasible to maintain transparency and preserve the reliability of the scholarly record.

Reporting Suspected Plagiarism

Authors, reviewers, readers, researchers, research institutions, and other concerned parties may report suspected plagiarism or inappropriate use of scholarly materials to the JKPK Editorial Office at jkpk@fkip.uns.ac.id. Reports should identify the manuscript or published article concerned, including its title, authors, publication details, and DOI or permanent URL where available. Reports should provide a clear explanation of the suspected plagiarism and, where possible, include relevant source documents, comparative evidence, publication records, or other information supporting the concern.

The editorial team will assess credible reports objectively and may request additional information or clarification from the individuals involved. Anonymous reports may be considered when they contain sufficiently specific and verifiable evidence. All allegations will be handled in accordance with the journal's established procedures for addressing suspected research and publication misconduct.

Confidentiality and Fair Treatment

JKPK is committed to handling suspected plagiarism with appropriate confidentiality, impartiality, procedural fairness, and editorial independence. Information obtained during editorial assessments and the identities of individuals reporting concerns will be protected to the extent reasonably possible, subject to applicable legal, ethical, and investigative requirements. Editorial evaluations will be based on documented scientific evidence and relevant publication ethics principles rather than the academic position, institutional affiliation, or personal characteristics of the individuals involved.

An allegation of plagiarism does not automatically establish that misconduct has occurred. Authors and other relevant parties will be afforded a reasonable opportunity to provide explanations, supporting documentation, or additional evidence before substantive editorial decisions are finalized. Editors with conflicts of interest that could compromise impartiality must refrain from participating in the relevant assessment or decision-making process. Where necessary, responsibility for handling the concern may be assigned to another qualified editor or an appropriate independent party.

Commitment to Academic Integrity

Through systematic similarity screening, evidence-based editorial evaluation, transparent handling of suspected plagiarism, and responsible implementation of corrective measures, JKPK seeks to safeguard the originality, credibility, and reliability of scientific publications. The journal encourages authors, reviewers, and editors to uphold appropriate attribution practices, respect intellectual contributions, maintain research transparency, and promote a culture of responsible academic publishing.

JKPK will periodically review its plagiarism prevention and similarity screening procedures in response to developments in scholarly communication, technological advances, and relevant recommendations from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Through the implementation of this policy, the journal remains committed to maintaining rigorous standards of academic integrity throughout the submission, peer-review, publication, and post-publication processes.