Artificial Intelligence Policy

Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in PAUDIA Journal

 

1. General Principles

PAUDIA permits the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assist with research and scholarly article writing, provided that it is used responsibly.

The use of AI must not replace critical thinking, scientific analysis, or human responsibility. Authors, reviewers, and editors remain responsible for their respective work, assessments, and decisions.

This policy applies to authors, reviewers, and editors involved in the publication process at PAUDIA.

For the purposes of this policy, AI refers to tools that can assist in generating or modifying text, images, data, code, and other content. Examples include ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, and similar tools.

2. Guidelines for Authors

2.1. Use of AI in Article Writing

Authors may use AI to assist with article writing, for example, to improve language, translate text, summarize literature, or organize the structure of a manuscript.

However, authors must:

  1. Ensure that the article reflects their own thinking, analysis, and scholarly contributions.

  2. Verify the accuracy of information generated by AI before incorporating it into the article.

  3. Ensure that all references and citations actually exist and accurately correspond to the original sources.

  4. Ensure that the use of AI does not infringe upon copyright, intellectual property rights, or the confidentiality of other parties.

  5. Protect research data and personal information entered into AI tools.

  6. Review AI-generated outputs and take full responsibility for the final content of the article.

Examples of permitted uses:

  • Asking AI to help improve the grammar of a paragraph.

  • Asking AI to translate text from Indonesian into English.

  • Asking AI to help develop an outline for the introduction, which the author subsequently develops and verifies.

Authors must not use AI-generated outputs without checking their accuracy, appropriateness, and consistency with the research.

2.2. Use of AI in Research and Data Analysis

If AI is used during the research process, authors must explain its use in the Methods section of the article.

The explanation should include:

  1. The name of the AI tool used and its version, if available.

  2. The purpose of using AI in the research.

  3. How AI was used in the research process.

  4. How the authors verified the accuracy of the AI-generated results.

  5. The measures taken to ensure the security and accuracy of research data.

Example:

A researcher conducts interviews with early childhood education teachers and then uses AI to assist in grouping interview responses into several themes. The researcher must explain the use of AI in the Methods section, including the tool used and the procedures for verifying the resulting classifications.

In contrast, if AI is used only to translate a paragraph of the article after the research has been completed, its use only needs to be disclosed in the designated AI declaration section.

AI must not be used to fabricate or falsify data, research findings, or references. Authors remain responsible for the validity of their methods, findings, and conclusions.

2.3. Originality and Authorship

AI must not be listed as an author or co-author of an article submitted to PAUDIA.

The individuals listed as authors must be human contributors who meet the authorship requirements and are capable of taking responsibility for their contributions.

The use of AI must not replace the authors' intellectual contributions. Articles must continue to reflect the authors' own analysis, critical thinking, and scholarly contributions.

Authors must also comply with PAUDIA's policies on plagiarism, publication ethics, and research integrity.

2.4. AI Use Declaration

Every article submitted to PAUDIA must include an AI use declaration, regardless of whether the authors have used AI.

The declaration must appear in a separate section before the References, under the following heading:

Declaration of the Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Manuscript Preparation

If authors use AI to assist with writing, translating, summarizing, or organizing article content, they must state the name of the AI tool and the purpose for which it was used.

AI use limited to basic spelling, grammar, and punctuation checks does not need to be specifically disclosed. However, the AI declaration must still be included.

Authors may use one of the following examples.

If AI was used

Example: The authors used ChatGPT to assist with translating and improving the language of the article.

During the preparation of this article, the authors used ChatGPT to assist with translation and language improvement. The authors have reviewed the AI-generated outputs and take full responsibility for the final content of the article.

Authors must adjust this statement to accurately reflect the tools used and the purposes for which they were used.

If AI was not used

The authors declare that generative AI and AI-assisted technologies were not used in the preparation of this article.

The declaration must accurately reflect the actual use of AI. Authors must not state that AI was not used if AI has been used to assist with writing or preparing the article.

If AI is used in the research process or data analysis, authors must also explain its use in the Methods section.

2.5. Use of AI for Images, Illustrations, and Data Visualization

Authors are responsible for the accuracy and originality of all images, illustrations, graphs, and data visualizations included in their articles.

The following requirements apply to the use of AI.

Explanatory Images and Conceptual Diagrams

AI may be used to assist in creating explanatory illustrations or conceptual diagrams. Such use must be disclosed in the figure caption and the AI declaration.

Example: An author uses AI to create a conceptual illustration of the stages of early childhood learning.

Graphs and Data Visualization

Graphs and data visualizations must be based on actual research data. AI must not be used to fabricate data or alter research findings to make them appear different from the actual results.

Photographs and Research Evidence

AI must not be used to create or modify observational photographs, experimental images, or other research evidence in ways that misrepresent the actual conditions.

Example: Authors must not use AI to add a child's behavior to research documentation photographs if that behavior did not actually occur.

Graphical Abstracts and Cover Illustrations

The use of generative AI to create a graphical abstract or journal cover illustration requires prior approval from the editor.

Disclosure of AI Use

If AI is used to create images or illustrations, authors must explain its use in the relevant figure caption.

Authors must also ensure that images do not violate copyright, privacy, or the rights of research participants. Particular care must be taken with photographs of children and other images that may reveal participants' identities.

2.6. Authors' Responsibilities in Collaborative Research

In research involving multiple authors, all authors must be aware of any use of AI that may affect the content, analysis, or findings of the research.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that the AI declaration is correctly included and that all authors approve the article submitted to PAUDIA.

3. Guidelines for Reviewers

3.1. Manuscript Confidentiality

Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts and all information obtained during the review process.

Reviewers are prohibited from uploading or entering manuscripts, portions of manuscripts, research data, or other confidential materials into AI tools.

Information from unpublished manuscripts must not be used for personal gain or shared with other parties.

3.2. Prohibition of AI Use in the Peer Review Process

Reviewers are not permitted to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the manuscript review process, including for analyzing manuscript content, drafting comments, formulating recommendations, or editing review reports.

All reviewer assessments, comments, and recommendations must be based on the reviewers' own evaluation and scientific judgment.

Reviewers are fully responsible for the objectivity, accuracy, confidentiality, and quality of the review reports submitted to the editor.

3.3. Reviewers' Responsibilities

Reviewers must provide assessments that are objective, professional, and based on their own scientific judgment.

If reviewers identify suspected ethical violations or misuse of AI, they must report the matter to the editor.

4. Guidelines for Editors

4.1. Manuscript Confidentiality

Editors must maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts, research data, reviewer reports, and editorial communications.

Editors are prohibited from uploading or entering manuscripts or confidential editorial information into external AI tools.

This requirement is intended to protect unpublished work and preserve the confidentiality of the editorial process.

4.2. Use of AI in the Editorial Process

Editors may use AI in a limited capacity to assist with administrative or language-related tasks, provided that manuscripts or confidential information are not entered into AI tools.

AI must not replace editors' assessments of research quality, review reports, or decisions to accept or reject articles.

Editors remain responsible for all editorial decisions and communications.

4.3. Editorial Transparency and Accountability

Editors must ensure that the use of AI does not compromise the confidentiality, objectivity, or integrity of the review process.

Relevant uses of AI in editorial work should be documented when required by journal procedures.

Editors must address suspected violations of this policy in accordance with PAUDIA's publication ethics procedures.

5. Monitoring and Handling of Violations

PAUDIA reserves the right to request explanations or documentation regarding AI use when necessary to assess compliance with this policy.

Any proven violation may constitute grounds for manuscript rejection. Violations include, but are not limited to:

  1. Failure to include the required AI declaration.

  2. Using AI to fabricate or falsify data, research findings, or references.

  3. Presenting AI-generated information as fact without adequate verification, thereby misleading readers.

  4. Using AI in ways that violate copyright, confidentiality, or the rights of research participants.

  5. Uploading manuscripts or confidential information to AI tools by reviewers or editors.

  6. Using AI to replace reviewers' scientific judgment or editorial decision-making.

  7. Violating other provisions that may compromise research integrity or the publication process.

Based on the findings of an investigation, PAUDIA may request clarification, require revisions, reject a manuscript, or take post-publication action in accordance with the nature of the violation and the applicable publication ethics procedures.

Decisions will be made by the authorized editorial personnel based on the available evidence. Individuals suspected of violations may be asked to provide an explanation in accordance with journal procedures.

6. Policy Review and Updates

PAUDIA will periodically review this policy in consideration of developments in AI technology, scholarly publishing standards, research ethics, and applicable regulations.

This policy may be revised when necessary to ensure the responsible, transparent, and ethical use of AI throughout the scholarly publication process.