Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism Policy

Research Floor is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity. Plagiarism in any form is a serious violation of ethical publishing practices and is strictly prohibited. This Plagiarism Policy outlines our definition of plagiarism, detection methods, and consequences for violations.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work, ideas, or words without proper attribution. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying text from published or unpublished sources without citation.
• Paraphrasing someone else's ideas without proper attribution.
• Self-plagiarism — reusing significant portions of one's own previously published work without citing the original.
• Copying figures, tables, or images without permission or attribution.
• Using AI-generated content without disclosure and proper attribution.

2. Types of Plagiarism

Research Floor recognizes the following types of plagiarism:

• Direct Plagiarism: Word-for-word copying of another's work without quotation marks or citation.
• Mosaic Plagiarism: Mixing copied phrases with original writing without proper attribution.
• Self-Plagiarism: Reusing one's own previously published work in a new submission without citing the original.
• Unattributed Paraphrasing: Rewording another's ideas without giving credit.
• Source Plagiarism: Citing sources that were not actually consulted.

3. Plagiarism Detection

Research Floor uses the following methods to detect plagiarism:

• iThenticate: All submitted manuscripts are screened using iThenticate software, which compares the text against a vast database of published works.
• Manual Review: Editors and reviewers are trained to identify potential plagiarism.
• Peer Review: Reviewers are asked to report any suspected plagiarism they identify.
• Continuous Monitoring: Published articles are also monitored for potential plagiarism.

4. Acceptable Similarity

While some degree of similarity is expected in academic writing (e.g., common phrases, standard methodology descriptions), Research Floor generally considers:

• Similarity below 15% — generally acceptable, provided proper attribution is given.
• Similarity between 15-25% — requires review by the editor; may be acceptable if properly attributed.
• Similarity above 25% — typically unacceptable and will be returned to the authors.

Note: These thresholds are guidelines, and the editorial team reserves the right to make final decisions based on the nature and context of the similarity.

5. Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is identified before publication:

• Manuscript Rejection: The manuscript will be rejected immediately.
• Notification: The authors will be notified of the plagiarism and the reasons for rejection.
• Reporting: Serious cases may be reported to the authors' institutions.

If plagiarism is identified after publication:

• Retraction: The article will be retracted with a clear explanation.
• Notification: Authors, institutions, and readers will be notified.
• Ban: Authors may be banned from submitting to Research Floor journals.

6. Author Responsibilities

Authors submitting to Research Floor must:

• Ensure originality of their work.
• Properly cite all sources, including their own previous work.
• Use quotation marks for direct quotations with proper citations.
• Obtain permission for any copyrighted materials they use.
• Disclose any prior publication of the work.

7. Guidelines for Avoiding Plagiarism

To avoid plagiarism, authors should:

• Cite all sources used in the research.
• Use quotation marks for direct quotes and provide page numbers.
• Paraphrase carefully and always cite the original source.
• Cite your own previous work if you are reusing it.
• Use plagiarism detection software before submitting.

8. AI-Generated Content

Research Floor acknowledges the increasing use of AI tools. Authors must:

• Disclose the use of any AI tools in the preparation of the manuscript.
• Take responsibility for all content, including AI-generated text.
• Ensure originality and proper attribution for all sources.

9. Reporting Plagiarism

If you suspect plagiarism in any Research Floor publication, please report it to plagiarism@researchfloor.com. All reports are investigated promptly and confidentially.

For questions about our plagiarism policy, please contact plagiarism@researchfloor.com.