Use of Artificial Intelligence

The International Journal of Process Education recognizes the potential of Generative AI (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) and AI-assisted technologies to support research and writing. However, consistent with the philosophy of Process Education, these tools must strictly serve as aids to—not replacements for—human critical thinking, cognitive processing, and creativity.

Authorship and Accountability
  • AI Ineligibility for Authorship: In accordance with COPE guidelines, AI tools do not meet the criteria for authorship. They cannot take responsibility for the work, consent to publication, or manage copyright. Therefore, AI tools must not be listed as authors or co-authors.
  • Human Responsibility: Authors are fully accountable for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of their work, including any portion assisted by AI. Authors must verify that AI-generated content is free from bias, "hallucinations" (false information), and plagiarism.
Disclosure and Transparency

Transparency is paramount in Process Education. If AI tools are used at any stage of the research or drafting process, authors must adhere to the following:

  • Declaration: Authors must include a "Declaration of AI Use" statement at the end of the manuscript (before References)
  • Specificity: The disclosure must specify the name of the tool (including version), the date of use (month and year), and the specific prompt(s) or method of application.
  • Citation: AI-generated content must be clearly identified and parenthetically cited in the text and the reference list, adhering to the current IJPE Style Guide. Image and Multimedia Integrity
  • Prohibition on Generation: The creation of scientific figures, charts, or images using Generative AI is generally prohibited unless explicitly part of a research study on AI methods.
  • Permitted Enhancements: AI tools used solely for image cleanup (e.g., noise reduction) must be declared. Manipulation that obscures, moves, or introduces features to the original data is strictly forbidden.
Image and Multimedia Integrity
  • Prohibition on Generation: The creation of scientific figures, charts, or images using Generative AI is generally prohibited unless explicitly part of a research study on AI methods.
  • Permitted Enhancements: AI tools used solely for image cleanup (e.g., noise reduction) must be declared. Manipulation that obscures, moves, or introduces features to the original data is strictly forbidden.
Peer Review and Editorial Confidentiality
  • Confidentiality Breach: Manuscripts submitted to IJPE are confidential documents. Reviewers and Editors are strictly prohibited from uploading manuscripts (or parts thereof) into Generative AI tools (e.g., for summarization or critique). Doing so violates the authors' confidentiality and proprietary rights, as many public AI platforms retain data for training.
  • AI-Assisted Assessment: Reviewers must not use AI to generate peer review reports. The assessment of a manuscript requires human judgment, domain expertise, and "Process" evaluation that AI cannot replicate.