Ethical Guidelines

GiST – Education and Learning Research Journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics, research integrity, and editorial transparency. These Ethical Guidelines explain how GiST implements internationally recognized ethical principles throughout its editorial and publication processes, in alignment with the COPE Core Practices.

This document provides guidance for authors, reviewers, editors, and readers regarding ethical conduct before, during, and after publication. While these guidelines seek to address the most common ethical issues in scholarly publishing, GiST recognizes that not all situations can be anticipated. Accordingly, these guidelines may be reviewed and updated in response to changes in the academic publishing ecosystem.

For GiST’s institutional principles and overarching framework, readers are invited to consult the Publications Policy of Institución Universitaria Colombo Americana – ÚNICA.

 

  1. Scope and Applicability

These Ethical Guidelines apply to all parties involved in the journal’s editorial process, including:

  • authors,
  • peer reviewers,
  • editors and members of the Editorial Committee,
  • and any individual contributing to the evaluation, editing, or dissemination of published content.

All participants are expected to act in accordance with these guidelines and with internationally accepted standards of academic integrity.

 

  1. Editorial Independence

GiST is published by the Publications Office of Institución Universitaria Colombo Americana – ÚNICA, a private, non-profit higher education institution.

Editorial decisions at GiST are made independently of the sponsoring institution and are based solely on scholarly merit, relevance to the journal’s scope, and compliance with ethical standards. No institutional, financial, political, or personal interests may influence editorial judgment.

 

  1. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for safeguarding the integrity of the scholarly record and ensuring that the editorial process is fair, transparent, and timely.

Editors shall:

  • evaluate manuscripts objectively and without discrimination,
  • maintain confidentiality throughout the editorial and peer review process,
  • manage conflicts of interest appropriately,
  • respond to ethical concerns, complaints, or appeals,
  • oversee corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions when necessary,
  • Act in accordance with COPE guidance in cases of suspected misconduct.

Any form of editorial misconduct, including abuse of editorial authority, breach of confidentiality, or biased decision-making, constitutes a serious ethical violation.

 

  1. Responsibilities of Authors

4.1 Originality and Research Integrity

Authors must ensure that submitted manuscripts:

  • are original works,
  • have not been published elsewhere,
  • are not under simultaneous consideration by another journal,
  • accurately represent data, methods, and findings.

Practices such as plagiarism, text recycling without transparency, duplicate or redundant publication, data fabrication, data falsification, selective reporting, or inappropriate image manipulation are unacceptable.

4.2 Preprints

GiST permits the submission of manuscripts that have been previously shared as preprints, defined as publicly accessible versions of a manuscript made available prior to formal peer review.

  • Authors must declare the existence of a preprint and provide its DOI or permanent identifier.
  • Responsibility for transparency regarding preprints rests entirely with the author.

4.3 Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship must reflect substantial intellectual contribution and accountability.

GiST does not accept:

  • ghost authorship,
  • gift or guest authorship,
  • authorship for sale or manuscripts produced by paper mills.

Disputes regarding authorship or contributorship are handled in accordance with the journal’s Ethical Procedures and may involve the authors’ affiliated institutions if unresolved.

4.4 Conflicts of Interest

Authors must declare any financial, institutional, or personal interests that could influence the research or its interpretation. Undeclared conflicts of interest may result in rejection or post-publication action.

 

  1. Use of Artificial Intelligence

GiST acknowledges the increasing presence of artificial intelligence tools in academic work and regulates their use to protect scholarly integrity.

  • Authors must declare any use of AI tools by completing the AI Use Declaration Form (F1). AI tools may not replace human authorship, original analysis, or scholarly interpretation.
  • Reviewers and Editors may use AI tools exclusively for grammar checking, language polishing, or translation when necessary. AI tools must not be used to evaluate intellectual content, generate reviews, or influence editorial decisions.

Failure to declare AI use is interpreted as non-use.

 

  1. Peer Review Ethics

GiST employs a double-blind peer review process.

Reviewers are expected to:

  • maintain strict confidentiality,
  • declare conflicts of interest,
  • provide objective and constructive feedback,
  • respect agreed timelines,
  • Report suspected ethical issues to the Editor.

Reviewers must not contact authors directly or share manuscript content.

 

  1. Research Ethics and Protection of Participants

Research involving human participants must comply with ethical standards concerning:

  • informed consent,
  • confidentiality and privacy,
  • responsible data management and storage.

GiST does not evaluate institutional approvals for educational institutions. Authors are responsible for securing any required approvals and for determining whether institutions, locations, or participants may be identified.

 

  1. Image Integrity and Data Management

Authors must ensure that:

  • images accurately represent original data,
  • any modifications are disclosed and justified,
  • Data are handled transparently and responsibly.

Inappropriate image manipulation, data misappropriation, or misrepresentation constitutes ethical misconduct.

 

  1. Post-Publication Responsibility

GiST is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record after publication. When necessary, the journal may issue:

  • corrections,
  • expressions of concern,
  • or retractions,

in accordance with the journal’s Ethical Procedures and international best practices.

 

  1. Ethical Positioning and Responsible Publishing

GiST explicitly rejects predatory publishing practices. The journal:

  • does not charge article processing fees,
  • follows transparent editorial and peer review processes,
  • adheres to internationally recognized ethical standards,
  • and promotes responsible, non-exploitative scholarly publishing.

 

  1. Continuous Review of Ethical Standards

These Ethical Guidelines are subject to periodic review to ensure alignment with evolving international standards and best practices in academic publishing.