AI Policy

AI Tools Usage Policy

Sakina: Journal of Family Studies

Sakina: Journal of Family Studies acknowledges the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in academic publishing. AI tools can support various aspects of scholarly work, including language refinement, data processing, and workflow efficiency. However, to maintain scholarly integrity, originality, transparency, and accountability, the use of AI must be managed responsibly and ethically.

This policy establishes clear guidelines for the acceptable use of AI tools in manuscript preparation, in alignment with the Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and relevant COPE discussion documents concerning AI in academic decision-making.

Definition of AI Tools

For the purposes of this policy, AI tools refer to digital systems or platforms that utilize artificial intelligence methods—such as machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning—to generate, analyze, translate, summarize, or edit textual, numerical, visual, or audio content in a research or publishing context.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

Generative AI models such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other large language models (LLMs)
Writing enhancement tools such as Grammarly, DeepL Write, and Quillbot
AI-powered statistical or data visualization software
Image, figure, or model generation systems
Literature review or citation generators powered by AI

Permissible Use of AI Tools

Authors may use AI tools under the following acceptable conditions:

Grammar, spelling, and punctuation correction
Enhancing writing clarity, tone, or coherence
Formatting references and citations
Conducting preliminary literature reviews
Assisting (not replacing) statistical analysis or data modeling
Creating simple visual elements (when ethically sourced and reviewed)

Prohibited Use of AI Tools

The use of AI tools is not permitted for the following purposes:

Generating complete manuscripts or substantial original content without attribution and human oversight
Fabricating or manipulating data, figures, or research results
Translating texts without human verification
Summarizing or paraphrasing published works in ways that result in plagiarism
Producing content that violates copyright or reproduces identifiable third-party materials without proper permission

Author Responsibilities

Authors bear full responsibility for the content of their submissions, including materials generated or assisted by AI. Authors are expected to:

Ensure the accuracy, originality, and reliability of any AI-generated or AI-edited content
Prevent plagiarism, factual inaccuracies, biases, or AI-induced hallucinations
Acknowledge all external data, content, or materials suggested by AI tools
Critically evaluate and revise all outputs from AI tools to meet academic standards
Be accountable for any ethical or factual issues arising from AI-assisted content

Authorship and AI

AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Authorship is reserved for individuals who have made significant intellectual contributions to the conception, execution, or interpretation of the research and can be held accountable for the content.

Including AI systems in the author list, author notes, or author contribution statements is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate rejection or withdrawal of the manuscript.

Disclosure Requirements

Authors must provide full and transparent disclosure when AI tools are used for purposes beyond permitted language and formatting support. This disclosure must include:

The name, version, and developer of the AI tool used
A description of the purpose and scope of its use
A declaration that all AI-assisted content has been reviewed and approved by the authors

Placement of Disclosure in the Manuscript

Depending on the nature of AI usage, the disclosure should appear in the appropriate section of the manuscript:

Methods Section

If the AI tool contributed to research methodology, such as data analysis, figure generation, or coding.

Acknowledgments Section

If the AI tool was used for editing, translating, or improving the linguistic quality of the manuscript.

Dedicated Declaration Section

Authors are encouraged to include a separate section titled “Declaration of AI Tool Usage”, for example:

"During the preparation of this manuscript, the authors used [insert AI tool name, version, and developer] to assist with [state purpose and scope]. All AI-generated content was critically assessed and substantially edited to ensure factual accuracy, clarity, and academic integrity. The authors take full responsibility for the final content of this manuscript."

Editorial and Peer Review Oversight

Editors and reviewers will evaluate the appropriateness of AI use and the transparency of any disclosures during the editorial and peer-review process. If suspected misuse or undisclosed AI involvement is identified, the editorial team may:

Request clarifications or revisions from the authors
Reject the submission
Refer the matter to the author's institution or initiate an ethical review

All AI-related assessments will involve human judgment and communication with the authors. Automated detection tools will not be solely relied upon.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Violations of this policy may lead to the following actions:

Rejection of the manuscript at any stage of the editorial process
Retraction of a published article
Notification of the author’s affiliated institution
Prohibition of future submissions in cases of severe or repeated violations

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Authors who disagree with editorial decisions related to AI usage may submit a formal appeal to the Editor-in-Chief. The appeal must clearly outline the basis for disagreement, include supporting evidence, and reference this policy. Appeals will be reviewed by the editorial ethics panel or referred to an external advisor if necessary.

Use of AI by the Editorial Team

Sakina: Journal of Family Studies does not employ AI tools to make autonomous editorial or peer-review decisions. If AI tools are ever used in the editorial process in the future, such use will be disclosed transparently and will always be subject to human oversight and final decision-making.

Policy Updates and Author Guidance

This policy will be periodically updated to reflect technological developments and changes in ethical and academic standards. Authors are advised to consult the most current version of the policy before submission and to contact the editorial office if they have any questions regarding AI compliance.

The journal encourages responsible innovation while maintaining a commitment to ethical publishing and high scholarly standards.

Ethical Framework and References

This policy is informed by the ethical principles and guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), including: