Publication Ethics and Citation

Pan-African Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Sciences and Behavioural Studies is committed to the integrity, transparency and quality of the scholarly record. PAJRI's publication-ethics framework reflects internationally recognised principles associated with responsible editorial practice, peer review, authorship, research integrity and correction of the literature.

Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must submit original work that is not published elsewhere and is not simultaneously under consideration by another journal. Ideas, text, data, tables, figures, methods and other material drawn from existing sources must be properly acknowledged. Plagiarism, self-plagiarism, patchwriting, fabricated citation and unauthorised reuse of material are unacceptable.

Data and Research Integrity

Authors must report methods, evidence and results accurately. Fabrication, falsification, deceptive manipulation of images or data, selective misrepresentation of findings and other forms of research misconduct are prohibited. Editors may request supporting information where clarification or verification is necessary.

Authorship and Contributions

Authorship should be limited to individuals who made substantial scholarly contributions to the work and who accept responsibility for the submitted manuscript. All listed authors should approve the final submission. Guest, gift and ghost authorship are not acceptable.

Human and Animal Research

Where research involves human participants, personal data, clinical material or animals, authors are responsible for obtaining the approvals, consent and permissions required by applicable institutional, professional and national standards. Relevant ethical approval and consent information should be stated in the manuscript where applicable.

Conflicts of Interest and Funding

Authors, reviewers and editors should disclose relationships or interests that could reasonably be perceived to influence the research, review or editorial decision. Authors should also identify relevant sources of research funding or support.

Reviewer and Editorial Responsibilities

Reviewers must provide objective, respectful and evidence-based assessments, maintain confidentiality and declare conflicts of interest. Editors should make decisions based on scholarly merit, relevance and ethical standards, without improper discrimination or external influence.

Corrections, Retractions and Misconduct

Where a significant error or ethical problem is established after publication, PAJRI may issue a correction, expression of concern or retraction as appropriate to protect the integrity of the scholarly record. Serious cases of misconduct may result in rejection, withdrawal, retraction, restrictions on future submissions or communication with relevant institutions where justified.

Citation Style

The required citation and reference style for this journal is APA 7th edition. Authors must apply the required style consistently throughout the manuscript and reference list.