Correction, Retraction & Expressions of Concern

1. General Principles

The European Archives of Social Sciences recognizes that every published article constitutes a reliable part of the scholarly record (“Version of Record”). Therefore, it is essential that all published work is accurate, complete, and trustworthy.

The journal addresses post-publication errors or ethical concerns in accordance with international ethical standards, particularly the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2. Types of Post-Publication Actions

The journal applies the following three primary mechanisms:
• Correction (Corrigendum / Erratum)
• Expression of Concern
• Retraction

All actions are conducted transparently and are clearly linked to the original article.

3. Corrections (Corrigendum / Erratum)

3.1. Scope

A correction is issued in the following cases:
• Errors that do not affect the overall conclusions of the article,
• Misinterpretation of cited sources,
• Incorrect or incomplete bibliographic information (e.g., title, DOI),
• Typographical or technical errors

3.2. Implementation
• Corrections are published on a separate page,
• A clear link to the original article is provided,
• Both the incorrect and corrected statements are explicitly indicated,
• The original article is not removed

3.3. Limitations

Developments arising from new scientific findings or changes in interpretation do not fall within the scope of corrections.

4. Mis-citation and Use of Sources

The journal treats the following issues with seriousness:
• Misinterpretation of the content of a cited source,
• References that do not support the statements made in the text,
• Use of incorrect DOI, title, or publication details,
• Use of sources without proper verification

In such cases, the editorial board may:
• Publish a correction,
• Initiate further investigation,
• Apply additional editorial actions where necessary

5. Expression of Concern

5.1. When is it applied?

An Expression of Concern may be issued when:
• There are serious doubts regarding the accuracy or integrity of the article,
• An investigation is ongoing,
• Authors fail to provide a satisfactory explanation,
• Allegations of ethical misconduct are not yet confirmed

5.2. Purpose

Its purpose is to inform readers and indicate that the reliability of the article is under review.

 

6. Retraction

6.1. Scope

Retraction is applied in the following cases:
• Fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism,
• Source fabrication or serious citation manipulation,
• Major errors that invalidate the conclusions of the article,
• Violations of academic ethical standards

6.2. Implementation
• A notice titled “Retraction” is published,
• The notice clearly states the reasons for retraction,
• The original article is not removed,
• A “Retracted” watermark is applied to the PDF,
• The retraction notice is linked to the original article

7. Investigation Procedure

When a complaint is received:
1. The editor conducts a preliminary assessment,
2. Authors are asked to provide an explanation,
3. Independent expert opinions may be sought if necessary,
4. A decision is made in accordance with COPE guidelines

All processes are conducted fairly, transparently, and with proper documentation.

8. Article Removal (Legal Reasons)

An article may be removed only in the following cases:
• Defamatory content,
• Legal violations,
• Court orders,
• Serious public health risks

In such cases:
• The full text is removed,
• The title and author information are retained,
• A notice explaining the reason for removal is displayed

9. Article Replacement

In very rare cases:
• An article containing serious errors may be retracted,
• A corrected version may be republished,
• A clear link between both versions is established

10. Principle of Transparency
• Published articles are not altered silently,
• All corrections are made publicly and transparently,
• The integrity of the scholarly record is preserved