Corrections, Expressions of Concern and Retractions
The journal corrects the scholarly record when an error materially affects interpretation, attribution, data, methods or bibliographic information. Minor typographical changes that do not affect meaning may be corrected without a formal notice.
Retraction May Be Appropriate When
- Findings are unreliable because of misconduct or major error
- The work contains substantial plagiarism or redundant publication
- Research was conducted or reported unethically
- Authorship or peer review was seriously manipulated
- Legal or privacy concerns make the record unsafe to retain unchanged
A retraction notice should be linked in both directions with the original article, explain the reason without defamatory language, identify who is retracting the work and remain freely accessible. The original record is retained and clearly marked unless removal is legally necessary.