Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
Last Updated: January 2025 | Version: 1.0
This policy is reviewed annually and updated as technology evolves.
Introduction
The Journal of Creative Research in English Literature and Culture (JCRELC) recognizes the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic research and publishing. However, we also acknowledge the ethical challenges and risks associated with the use of AI tools in scholarly communication. This policy outlines our position on the use of AI in research, manuscript preparation, peer review, and editorial decision-making.
The policy is designed to uphold the principles of academic integrity, transparency, and accountability while embracing technological innovation that enhances research quality and efficiency.
Scope of This Policy
This AI Policy applies to all stakeholders involved in the journal's publication process, including:
Authors
- Use of AI in research and writing
- AI-assisted manuscript preparation
- Disclosure requirements
Reviewers
- Use of AI in peer review
- Confidentiality and data protection
- Review integrity
Editors
- AI-assisted editorial decisions
- Plagiarism detection
- Quality assurance
Readers
- AI-generated content transparency
- Research reproducibility
- Critical engagement with AI-assisted research
Guidelines for Authors
Permitted Uses of AI
JCRELC acknowledges that authors may use AI tools for legitimate research and writing purposes. The following uses are permitted:
- Literature Search: Using AI tools to identify relevant literature and research gaps
- Data Analysis: Employing AI algorithms for data processing and analysis
- Language Enhancement: Using AI for grammar checking, spelling correction, and language polishing
- Reference Formatting: AI-assisted reference management and formatting
- Translation: Using AI translation tools to translate non-English sources
Requirements and Limitations
Authors must adhere to the following requirements when using AI tools:
- Disclosure: All use of AI tools in research and manuscript preparation must be explicitly disclosed in the manuscript
- Human Authorship: AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of any manuscript
- Responsibility: Authors are fully responsible for all content submitted, regardless of AI assistance
- Originality: Manuscripts must be original and not substantially generated by AI
- Data Privacy: Authors must ensure compliance with data protection regulations when using AI tools
- Transparency: Any significant AI contribution should be described in the methods or acknowledgement section
Prohibited Uses of AI
Authors
- AI-generated manuscripts without significant human contribution
- Using AI to fabricate data or citations
- AI-assisted plagiarism or paraphrasing
- Incomplete disclosure of AI use
- AI-generated authorship claims
Reviewers & Editors
- AI-generated review reports without human verification
- Uploading manuscripts to AI tools without permission
- AI-assisted plagiarism detection without validation
- AI-based editorial decisions without human oversight
Disclosure Requirements
Authors must provide clear disclosure of AI use in their manuscripts. The following information should be included:
| AI Tool Used | Purpose | Extent of Use | Human Verification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: ChatGPT | Language enhancement | Minor editing | Full verification |
| Example: Grammarly | Grammar correction | Basic proofreading | Full verification |
| Example: Scopus AI | Literature search | Initial exploration | Independent verification |
Disclosure Statement Template
"The authors acknowledge the use of [AI Tool Name] for [purpose]. All content has been reviewed and verified by the authors, who take full responsibility for the manuscript."
Reviewer Guidelines
Peer reviewers are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality when using AI tools:
- Prohibition: Reviewers must not upload manuscripts to any AI tool without explicit permission
- Confidentiality: All manuscripts are confidential and should not be shared with any third-party AI systems
- Originality: Reviewers should not rely on AI-generated review reports without thorough human verification
- Transparency: Any use of AI in the review process must be disclosed to the editorial office
- Accountability: Reviewers remain fully responsible for their recommendations
Important: Reviewers found to have uploaded confidential manuscripts to AI tools without authorization will be removed from the reviewer database and reported to their institutions.
Editorial Guidelines
Permitted Uses
- AI-assisted plagiarism detection
- Automated reference checking
- Statistical analysis verification
- Document formatting checks
- Publication ethics screening
Editorial Oversight
- Human review of all AI-assisted decisions
- Regular audits of AI tool effectiveness
- Transparency in AI use disclosure
- Training on AI tool usage
- Policy updates as technology evolves
Ethical Framework
Academic Integrity
AI tools must not compromise the integrity of research or the peer review process
Transparency
Full disclosure of AI use in all aspects of research and publication
Accountability
Human authors and reviewers remain fully accountable for all content
Enforcement and Violations
JCRELC takes AI policy violations seriously. The following actions may be taken:
| Violation Type | Action |
|---|---|
| Undisclosed AI use | Manuscript rejection or correction request |
| AI-generated content without human verification | Manuscript rejection and author warning |
| AI authorship claim | Manuscript rejection and notification to institution |
| Breach of confidentiality | Reviewer removal and institution notification |
| Repeated violations | Ban from submitting or reviewing for the journal |
Policy Updates and Future Developments
JCRELC is committed to staying current with technological developments in AI and academic publishing. This policy will be reviewed and updated regularly based on:
- Emerging AI technologies and capabilities
- Guidance from publishing industry bodies
- Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers
- New ethical considerations and challenges
- COPE and STM guidelines on AI use
Authors and stakeholders will be notified of any significant policy changes through the journal's communication channels.
Related Policies
References
- COPE. (2023). Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Academic Publishing. Council of Publication Ethics.
- STM. (2024). Generative AI in Scholarly Communications. International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers.
- WAME. (2023). Recommendations on Artificial Intelligence in Scholarly Publishing. World Association of Medical Editors.
- ICMJE. (2024). Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work.
Questions About Our AI Policy?
If you have any questions about our AI Policy or need clarification on the use of AI tools in your submission, please contact our editorial office.
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