Plagiarism and Similarity Screening Policy

Plagiarism and Similarity Screening Policy

The Basic Education Research Journal (BERJ) is committed to maintaining high standards of research integrity and originality.

All submitted manuscripts may be screened for textual similarity using iThenticate or another appropriate similarity-detection system.

1. Purpose of Similarity Screening

Similarity screening is an editorial tool used to identify overlapping text between a submitted manuscript and previously published or otherwise available material.

A similarity report does not, by itself, establish plagiarism or research misconduct.

The similarity percentage represents the proportion of text that matches material identified in the system's databases. Matching text may result from legitimate quotations, properly cited material, standard terminology, references, methodological descriptions, or other acceptable overlap.

2. No Automatic Similarity Threshold

BERJ does not consider a single numerical similarity percentage to be conclusive evidence of plagiarism.

A manuscript will not be automatically considered plagiarized solely because its overall similarity score exceeds a particular percentage.

The journal evaluates similarity on a case-by-case basis.

3. Editorial Assessment

When a similarity report identifies substantial overlap, the editorial team will consider, as appropriate:

  • the overall similarity score;

  • the percentage attributable to individual sources;

  • the length and location of matched passages;

  • whether the matched text is properly cited;

  • whether quotation marks are required;

  • whether the overlap occurs in references, standard methodology, terminology, or other conventional sections;

  • whether substantial unattributed text has been reproduced; and

  • whether the overlap suggests plagiarism, redundant publication, or another form of publication misconduct.

4. Similarity Report Filters

Where appropriate, the editorial team may use available similarity-report filters and exclusions to distinguish potentially problematic overlap from legitimate matches.

These may include exclusion or separate consideration of:

  • bibliographic references;

  • properly quoted material;

  • properly cited material;

  • very short matches; and

  • other legitimate sources of overlap.

The use of filters does not replace editorial judgment.

5. Significant or Suspicious Similarity

Where substantial or suspicious overlap is identified, BERJ may:

  • request clarification from the authors;

  • request revision or proper citation;

  • conduct additional editorial checks;

  • reject the manuscript;

  • refer the matter for further investigation; or

  • take appropriate post-publication action if the article has already been published.

6. Similarity Involving a Single Source

Particular attention may be given to substantial continuous overlap with a single source, especially where the material is not appropriately cited or quoted.

The journal will consider both the amount and nature of the overlap rather than relying solely on the overall similarity score.

7. Multiple-Source Similarity

A manuscript may have a relatively high overall similarity score because of many small, legitimate matches from different sources.

Such a score does not automatically indicate plagiarism.

The editorial assessment will consider the distribution and context of the matches.

8. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

Reuse of an author's own previously published material without appropriate acknowledgment may constitute self-plagiarism or redundant publication, depending on the nature and extent of the reuse.

Authors should properly cite relevant previous publications and clearly distinguish new contributions from previously published material.

9. Published Articles

Similarity concerns may also be investigated after publication.

If substantial plagiarism, redundant publication, or another integrity problem is identified in a published article, BERJ may publish a correction, Expression of Concern, or retraction, as appropriate.

10. Relationship to Research Misconduct

Similarity screening is part of BERJ's broader research-integrity procedures.

Where the concern may constitute research or publication misconduct, the journal will follow its Research Misconduct / Allegations of Misconduct Policy.

11. Confidentiality and Fair Treatment

Similarity reports and related investigations will be handled confidentially to the extent reasonably possible.

Authors will normally be given an opportunity to clarify potentially problematic overlap before an adverse editorial decision is made, except where urgent action is necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

12. Editorial Responsibility

The final determination of whether a particular overlap constitutes plagiarism or another form of publication misconduct is an editorial and ethical assessment and is not made solely by an automated similarity-detection system.

Last updated: [Insert date]

Publication Ethics Contact: [Insert official email]