GRHAS requires clear attribution of other people’s words, ideas, evidence and creative work. Authors should distinguish original analysis from quotation, paraphrase, translation and reused material throughout the manuscript.

Quotation, paraphrase and translation

Mark verbatim passages with quotation marks or block quotation and identify the source and location. A paraphrase requires attribution as well as new wording. Credit the original source of translated material and identify the translation used or produced by the author.

The same principle applies to images, compositions, performances, datasets, software and methods. Provide credits and any required permissions. A change of language or format does not remove the need for attribution.

Reuse and publication history

Disclose overlap with earlier work, related manuscripts and translations. Explain why reused material is needed and what is new in the submission. Repeated publication of substantially the same contribution without disclosure can undermine originality and the publication record.

Where copyright or access conditions apply, obtain the necessary permission in addition to citing the source. Explain the relationship to a thesis, preprint or conference version in the cover letter.

Editorial assessment

Suspected overlap is assessed in context: its extent, location, purpose, attribution and effect on the contribution. Reference lists, conventional descriptions and properly identified quotations require a different assessment from unattributed argument or findings. A similarity percentage alone does not determine the outcome.

The editor may request an explanation and original sources. Limited attribution errors may be corrected during review; substantial plagiarism can lead to rejection. Published cases are assessed through the journal’s research-integrity and retraction procedures.

Reporting a concern

Send the article citation and earlier source, identify the matching passages or material, and include publication or access details. Specific evidence enables the editor to assess the claim and ask the authors for a focused response.

Reports can be sent to [email protected]. Institutional involvement may be sought when the case requires investigation of research conduct.