Abstract
Journal editors should consider retracting a publication if: • they have clear evidence that the findings are unreliable, either as a result of misconduct (eg, data fabrication) or honest error (eg, miscalculation or experimental error) • the findings have previously been published elsewhere without proper cross-referencing, permission or justification (ie, cases of redundant publication) • it constitutes plagiarism • it reports unethical research Journal editors should consider issuing an expression of concern if: • they receive inconclusive evidence of research or publication misconduct by the authors • there is evidence that the findings are unreliable but the authors’ institution will not investigate the case • they believe that an investigation into alleged misconduct related to the publication either has not been, or would not be, fair and impartial or conclusive • an investigation is under way but a judgement will not be available for a considerable time Journal editors should consider issuing a correction if: • a small portion of an otherwise reliable publication proves to be misleading (especially because of honest error) • the author / contributor list is incorrect (ie, a deserving author has been omitted or somebody who does not meet authorship criteria has been included) Retractions are not usually appropriate if: • a change of authorship is required but there is no reason to doubt the validity of the findings Notices of retraction should: • be linked to the retracted article wherever possible (ie, in all electronic versions) • clearly identify the retracted article (eg, by including the title and authors in the retraction heading) • be clearly identified as a retraction (ie, distinct from other types of correction or comment) • be published promptly to minimize harmful effects from misleading publications • be freely available to all readers (ie, not behind access barriers or available only to subscribers) • state who is retracting the article • state the reason(s) for retraction (to distinguish misconduct from honest error) • avoid statements that are potentially defamatory or libellous