Publication Ethics

Hambaruan: Journal of Psychology, Counseling, and Early Childhood Education upholds high ethical standards based on the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal is committed to ensuring that all published articles reflect academic integrity, honesty, transparency, and responsible scholarship.

Publication ethics applies to all parties involved: authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher.

1. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are required to:

Submit original manuscripts that have not been previously published or under review elsewhere
Ensure the accuracy of data, findings, and interpretations
Cite relevant sources appropriately and avoid plagiarism
Clearly present research methodology and ethical procedures, especially when involving human subjects and children
Declare any potential conflicts of interest
Cooperate fully in peer review and revision processes

Authors must not:

Fabricate, falsify, or manipulate data
Produce duplicate publications (self-plagiarism)
Engage in unethical citation practices

2. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors must:

Make publication decisions fairly and objectively
Evaluate manuscripts solely on academic merit, not on gender, affiliation, ethnicity, or personal bias
Maintain confidentiality of manuscript content
Ensure transparency in peer review
Act promptly if ethical violations are reported

Editors reserve the right to reject manuscripts that violate ethical principles.

3. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

Provide objective, constructive, and professional feedback
Maintain confidentiality of all reviewed materials
Decline review if there is a conflict of interest
Evaluate manuscripts based on originality, relevance, clarity, methods, and contribution to the field
Avoid taking advantage of unpublished ideas or data

Reviewers should not delay review intentionally or express personal criticism unrelated to scientific content.