Definition of Authorship

To qualify as an author, Social Science Chronicle underscores that an individual must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Authors must contribute significantly to the conceptualization, design, data collection, analysis, or interpretation of the research.
  • Authors must play a significant role in drafting the manuscript or critically revising it for intellectual content. Contributions must extend beyond basic editing or proofreading.
  • All authors must review and approve the final version of the manuscript before submission to ensure accuracy and agreement with the content.
  • Authors should take public responsibility for their contributions and resolve any issues related to the integrity or accuracy of the research.

If a contributor does not meet all these criteria, their contribution (such as providing technical support, offering writing or language editing, or lending administrative support) should be acknowledged appropriately, but they should not be listed as an author.

Role of Corresponding Author

The corresponding author is responsible for managing all communications between the journal and co-authors throughout the publication process. Specific duties include:

  • Ensuring Author Approval: The corresponding author must confirm that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript before submission, including the order of authorship.
  • Communication and Coordination: They serve as the primary point of contact during the peer review and publication stages, ensuring timely responses to editorial queries.
  • Disclosures and Transparency: The corresponding author must include necessary declarations, such as conflicts of interest, funding disclosures, and data availability statements.
  • Post-Publication Accountability: They are responsible for addressing any questions related to the integrity or accuracy of the published work.

The corresponding author acts as a guarantor for the integrity of the research and publication.

Use of AI and Automated Tools

Social Science Chronicle recognizes the growing use of AI-based tools in research but emphasizes that such tools do not qualify for authorship. Authors are entirely responsible for the originality and validity of their work. The policy includes the following provisions:

  • Ensure that people who have made substantial contribution in research are not left from the list of authors, and those who have not contributed significantly, are not listed as author/s in the manuscript.
  • Prohibition of AI as Authors: AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) cannot be listed as authors as they do not meet the requirements for accountability or creative input.
  • Acknowledgment of AI Contributions: If AI tools were used for specific tasks, such as language refinement, drafting, or data analysis, their use must be transparently acknowledged in the methods or acknowledgment sections.
  • Human Oversight: Authors must ensure all AI-generated content is verified and reviewed for accuracy, originality, and ethical compliance.

Failure to disclose AI usage may result in the rejection of the manuscript or retraction of the published paper.

Order and Changes in Authorship

  • The order of authorship should reflect the relative contributions of each author to the research and manuscript preparation. This must be agreed upon by all co-authors before submission. In cases of equal contribution, a statement should specify this in the manuscript.
  • Requests to alter authorship (additions, deletions, or rearrangements) after submission must include a written explanation of the reason for the change, and signed approval from all authors, including those being added or removed. Also, changes to authorship cannot be made after acceptance unless exceptional circumstances arise, subject to editorial approval.

Order and Changes to Authorship

  • Determining Author Order: The order of authorship should reflect the relative contributions of each author to the research and manuscript preparation. This must be agreed upon by all co-authors before submission. In cases of equal contribution, a statement should specify this in the manuscript.
  • Changes to Authorship: Requests to alter authorship (additions, deletions, or rearrangements) after submission must include: A written explanation of the reason for the change, and signed approval from all authors, including those being added or removed. Also, changes to authorship cannot be made after acceptance unless exceptional circumstances arise, subject to editorial approval.