Citations acknowledge intellectual contributions and allow readers to evaluate the evidence supporting an argument. Authors are responsible for the accuracy, relevance, and representation of every cited source. A reference should support the claim for which it is used, rather than merely concern the same broad topic.

Accurate and fair use of sources

Consult original sources where possible and verify bibliographic details, quotations, and findings. Distinguish a source’s evidence from a later author’s interpretation. If a secondary account is used because the original cannot be consulted, represent that relationship accurately rather than implying direct examination.

Engage with relevant contrary findings and competing approaches. Cite data, software, research instruments, and documentary sources where they contribute to the analysis. In governance research, specify the version and relevant provision of a policy, law, or institutional document when those details affect the claim. Check for corrections or retractions and explain any necessary use of affected work.

Practices that undermine citation integrity

Fabricated references, citations to sources that do not support the statement, irrelevant citation padding, and coordinated citation exchanges are unacceptable. Self-citation should serve the argument and disclose the relationship to earlier work, rather than inflate apparent importance. AI-generated references must be verified against real sources.

Editors and reviewers must not condition acceptance on citations without a scholarly reason. Requests to cite their own work or the journal’s content require the same justification as any other recommendation.

Responding to recommendations or concerns

Authors may explain in their revision response why a suggested reference is outside the paper’s scope, duplicates material already addressed, or does not support the relevant claim. A reasoned explanation helps the editor assess the recommendation. Reports of citation manipulation should identify the references, statements, or request concerned and provide supporting evidence.

Misrepresentation may require revision or a correction after publication. References should follow APA 7th edition as described in Manuscript Preparation.