Post Publication Discussions

1. Overview and Commitment to Transparency

Journal of Social Studies (JSS) encourages constructive, evidence-based discussion of articles published in the journal. Post-publication discussion provides an opportunity for readers, researchers, practitioners, and other interested parties to raise scientific questions, clarify published findings, and offer additional perspectives on community service activities and their outcomes.

This process supports transparency, accountability, and the continuous improvement of scholarly communication. JSS handles post-publication discussions fairly, objectively, and in accordance with recognized publication ethics principles, including relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2. Scope of Post-Publication Discussions

Post-publication discussions may address:

• The methods, implementation, or evaluation of community service activities;
• The accuracy and interpretation of reported results and outcomes;
• The effectiveness, limitations, or sustainability of community service programs;
• The validity of data, analyses, and conclusions;
• The relevance and accuracy of references;
• Ethical considerations related to community engagement, participant consent, and data protection;
• The applicability or broader implications of the published activities; or
• Other matters that contribute meaningfully to the understanding and development of community service practices.

3. Restrictions and Exclusions

This process must not be used to:

• Appeal editorial decisions concerning unpublished manuscripts;
• Submit general complaints about journal operations;
• Pursue personal or institutional disputes;
• Make defamatory or unsupported statements;
• Demand unnecessary citations; or
• Publish substantial new research that would be more appropriately submitted as a separate manuscript.

Complaints about editorial procedures and suspected research or publication misconduct will be handled under the relevant JSS policies.

4. Forms of Post-Publication Discussion & Submission Guidelines

JSS facilitates formal post-publication discussion through the following formats:

Letters and Replies are scholarly communications but are not classified as Research Articles or Review Articles.

Timeline: JSS does not impose a fixed time limit for submitting a post-publication discussion. However, submissions should be made promptly after the relevant issue is identified.