Research Ethics and Human Subjects Policy
International Journal of Education Technology and Scientific Researches (IJETSR)
The International Journal of Education Technology and Scientific Researches is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in research involving human participants. The journal requires that all submitted manuscripts comply with internationally accepted ethical principles to ensure the protection, dignity, rights, and well-being of participants.
1. Research Involving Human Participants
Research involving human participants includes studies such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, classroom observations, experiments, case studies, and the use of identifiable personal data, including audio, video, or digital records. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their research is conducted ethically and in accordance with applicable institutional, national, and international regulations.
2. Ethical Approval
Authors must obtain approval from an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB), Ethics Committee, or equivalent authority prior to conducting research involving human participants, where required. The name of the approving body and approval reference number must be clearly stated in the manuscript.
In cases where ethical approval is not required under local regulations, authors must provide a clear justification within the manuscript. The journal reserves the right to request supporting documentation of ethical approval during the review or publication process.
3. Informed Consent
Authors must ensure that informed consent is obtained from all participants before their involvement in the study. Participants must be provided with clear information regarding the purpose of the research, procedures involved, potential risks and benefits, and their right to participate voluntarily.
For participants who are minors or legally unable to provide consent, informed consent must be obtained from a parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative in accordance with ethical guidelines.
4. Consent for Publication
When research includes identifiable information such as images, videos, audio recordings, or detailed personal data, authors must obtain explicit consent for publication from the participant or their legal guardian. Participants must be informed about how their data will be used, where the research will be published, and their right to refuse publication of identifiable information.
5. Confidentiality and Anonymity
Authors must ensure the confidentiality and privacy of participants throughout the research and publication process. Personal identifiers must be removed or anonymized unless explicit consent has been obtained. Data should be presented in a manner that prevents direct or indirect identification of participants, and pseudonyms should be used where appropriate.
6. Data Protection and Storage
Authors are responsible for managing research data in compliance with relevant data protection laws and regulations. All participant data must be securely stored and protected against unauthorized access. Personal data should only be retained for as long as necessary for research purposes, and any data sharing must not compromise participant confidentiality.
7. Right to Withdraw
Participants must be informed of their right to withdraw from the study at any stage without any penalty or negative consequences. Authors must clearly explain withdrawal procedures and ensure that participant data is removed upon request, where feasible.
8. Vulnerable Populations
Research involving vulnerable populations, including children, individuals with disabilities, or marginalized groups, requires additional ethical considerations. Authors must implement appropriate safeguards to protect participants and ensure that the research presents minimal risk and clear academic or societal value.
9. Author Responsibilities and Ethical Compliance Statement
By submitting a manuscript to IJETSR, authors confirm that their research has been conducted ethically and responsibly in accordance with this policy. Authors must ensure that all necessary ethical approvals and informed consents have been obtained and documented. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in rejection of the manuscript or retraction after publication.
10. Ethical Oversight and Guidance
The journal adheres to internationally recognized ethical frameworks, including guidelines provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and other relevant organizations. These standards guide the journal in maintaining integrity, transparency, and accountability in the publication process.
