Correction and Retraction
TINOMBALA: Journal of Language Education and Social Sciences is committed to maintaining the accuracy, integrity, transparency, and reliability of the published scholarly record. The journal recognizes that errors or ethical concerns may sometimes be identified after an article has been published and therefore provides appropriate mechanisms for addressing post-publication issues.
1. Corrections
When an error is identified in a published article that does not invalidate the overall findings, interpretation, or conclusions of the work, the journal may publish a correction notice.
A correction may be issued for substantive errors in the text, tables, figures, references, author information, or other published content that require formal amendment but do not fundamentally compromise the validity of the article.
The correction notice will:
- clearly identify the affected article;
- describe the nature of the error;
- provide the corrected information where appropriate; and
- be permanently linked to the original article.
The original article will remain part of the scholarly record, with the correction clearly indicated to readers.
2. Retractions
An article may be retracted when serious concerns substantially compromise its reliability, integrity, or ethical basis. Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:
- fabrication or falsification of data;
- substantial or confirmed plagiarism;
- duplicate or redundant publication;
- serious methodological or analytical errors that invalidate the principal findings;
- unethical research or failure to obtain required ethical approval or informed consent;
- substantial manipulation or misrepresentation of research findings;
- serious authorship or publication-ethics violations; or
- other circumstances that fundamentally undermine the reliability of the published work.
Before issuing a retraction, the journal will conduct an appropriate investigation and, where necessary, seek explanations or supporting information from the authors and relevant institutions.
A retraction notice will be published and permanently linked to the original article. The notice will clearly identify the article and explain the principal reasons for the retraction.
The original article will normally remain accessible as part of the scholarly record but will be clearly marked as RETRACTED. The retraction will not be used to conceal or erase the publication history of the article.
3. Expression of Concern
Where substantial concerns have been raised but an investigation has not yet been completed or the available evidence is insufficient to make a final determination, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern.
An Expression of Concern serves to alert readers to potentially significant issues while an appropriate investigation is undertaken. It will be linked to the affected article and may subsequently be followed by a correction, retraction, or other appropriate editorial action.
4. Post-Publication Review
Authors, readers, reviewers, institutions, and other relevant parties may notify the editorial office of substantial errors or potential ethical concerns involving published articles. Reports should provide sufficient information or evidence to enable the editorial team to assess the matter.
The Editor-in-Chief will determine the appropriate course of action based on the available evidence and the principles of fairness, confidentiality, transparency, and research integrity.
5. Editorial Independence and Integrity of the Scholarly Record
Decisions concerning corrections, Expressions of Concern, and retractions are made independently of commercial considerations and are based on the integrity and reliability of the published scholarly record.
TINOMBALA will maintain a transparent record of post-publication actions and will ensure that relevant notices are clearly connected to the affected article so that readers can accurately understand its publication status.
