Journal Policies & Guide for Authors
EDITORIAL PROCESS
Peer review
Religion and Social Communication carries out a review procedure by at least two outside experts for all research articles after they have passed the initial editorial review for quality and relevance to the aims of the journal. The author and the reviewers remain anonymous to each other throughout the peer review process. Author names, affiliations and any other potentially revealing information will be removed from the manuscript sent for review. Authors are asked to avoid citing their own published work or refer to their work in such ways that could reveal their identity. Reviews are carried out by qualified members of the Editorial Board or experts with suitable qualifications. The journal editorial staff make decisions in collaboration with one another and based on the results of the peer reviews. The review process for each submission takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Original Manuscript Submission
All manuscripts submitted must be original and not being considered for publication elsewhere. Manuscripts with multiple authors can only be submitted when all co-authors have approved of the submission. There must not also be any conflict with the institutions in which the authors are affiliated. Any necessary permission must be acquired by the author(s) of the manuscript. In the case of conflict in these matters, the publisher will not be held responsible.
Channel of Submission
All submissions are to be sent by email to one of the following address: arcstjohns.bkk@gmail.com or arcjournal.bkk@gmail.com
Source File
The file to be submitted must be in an editable WORD format (.docx). Tables and graphics can be included in the same file.
Length of Manuscript
Research articles. The length should range from 6,000 – 8,000 words including references. In some cases, exceptions may be made at the discretion of the editor.
Book reviews. Length of book reviews should range from 1,000 – 1,500 words. Books to be reviewed should be relevant to the concerns of the journal and should be a recent publication. Those who wish to submit a book review may inquire in advance about whether a book is appropriate for the journal.
Title Page
The title page is to include the following:
· Title (should be informative but not excessively long)
· Author information (The name(s) of the author(s))
· Affiliation(s) of the author(s) (institution, department, city, state, country)
· Email contact of author(s)
· Abstract: Please provide an abstract of 200 to 250 words. The abstract should encapsulate the entire article rather than a repeat of the introduction. Do not use undefined abbreviations in the abstract.
· Keywords (4 to 6 keywords)
· Statements and declarations: Authors are required to disclose financial or non-financial interests that are directly or indirectly related to the work submitted for publication. Acknowledgments of people, grants, funds, etc. can also be included in this declaration. The names of funding organizations and their location should be fully indicated.
TEXT
Language
Both UK and American English are accepted as long as it is consistently used throughout the paper.
Date format
Both formats dd/mm/yr and mm/dd/yr are accepted as long as it is consistently used throughout the paper.
Year Convention
BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) to identify the year is recommended, e.g. Plato was born in 428/427 BCE.
Gender
Gender-neutral (inclusive) language is highly recommended.
Foreign terminologies
Foreign words/phrases must appear in italics and accompanied by English translation in the text or in the footnote.
Font
All manuscripts are to be in Times New Roman font (12 pt) in WORD format.
Headings
All headings are to be numbered with numerals 1,2,3…
Abbreviations
Abbreviations should be defined at first mention and used consistently thereafter.
Footnotes
Avoid excessively long footnotes. Footnotes can be used to give additional information, which may include the citation of a reference included in the reference list. Do not include tables, figures, or other graphics in footnotes. Endnotes are not accepted.
Figures
All figures are to be consecutively numbered using Arabic numerals. Use only black and white, avoid shadings, outline letters, and other such effects. Each figure should have a concise caption describing accurately what the figure depicts. Include the captions in the text file of the manuscript, not in the figure file. Figures should be submitted within the body of the text.
Tables
All tables are to be consecutively numbered using Arabic numerals. For each table, please supply a table caption (title) explaining the components of the table.
Artwork and Illustrations
Supply all figures electronically in TIFF, or MSOFfice format. Only use black and white with no shading. Do not use faint lines and/or lettering and check that all lines and lettering within the figures are legible at final size. Scanned line drawings and line drawings in bitmap format should have a minimum resolution of 1200 dpi. Vector graphics containing fonts must have the fonts embedded in the files.
REFERENCES
Citation
Religion and Social Communication uses the Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition). We accept both in-text/bibliography and footnotes/bibliography method. In the case the in-text/bibliography method is used, the author may use footnotes for additional commentaries or information only.
Reference List
The list of references must be in Chicago Manual of Style (17th Edition). It should only include works that are cited in the text and that have been published or accepted for publication. Personal communications and unpublished works should only be mentioned in the main text or footnote. When possible, include DOIs as full DOI links in the reference list.
Examples of Citation
IN-TEXT CITATION
One Author:
The in-text citation includes the author's last name and the publication year, placed in parentheses within the text. Example: (Smith 2023)
When there are quotations, also include the page number. Example: (Smith 2023, 41)
Two Authors:
For two authors, include both authors' last names in the same order as they appear on the source, separated by "and." Also, include the publication year in parentheses. Example: (Smith and Johnson 2023)
When there are quotations, also include the page number. Example: (Smith and Johnson 2023, 150)
Three or More Authors:
For sources with three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al." and the publication year. Example: (Smith et al. 2023)
When there are quotations, also include the page number. Example: (Smith et al. 2023, 21)
FOOTNOTES AND REFERENCE LIST
Journal Articles
One Author
Footnote:
John Smith, "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity," Environmental Science Journal 25, no. 3 (2023): 151, DOI: 10.1080/12345
Reference list:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." Environmental Science Journal 25, no. 3 (2023): 150-165. DOI: 10.1080/123456.
Two Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith and Mary Johnson, "Urbanization and Air Pollution," Environmental Pollution Journal 10, no. 2 (2023): 78, DOI: 10.1016/567890.
Reference list:
Smith, John, and Mary Johnson. "Urbanization and Air Pollution." Environmental Pollution Journal 10, no. 2 (2023): 75-88. DOI: 10.1016/567890.
Three Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith, Mary Johnson, and David Lee, "The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development," Renewable Energy Journal 40, no. 4 (2023): 220, DOI: 10.1111/567890.
Reference list:
Smith, John, Mary Johnson, and David Lee. "The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development." Renewable Energy Journal 40, no. 4 (2023): 220-235. DOI: 10.1111/567890.
Multiple Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith et al., "The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development," Renewable Energy Journal 40, no. 4 (2023): 230, DOI: 10.1111/567890.
Reference list:
Smith, John, et. al. "The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development." Renewable Energy Journal 40, no. 4 (2023): 220-235. DOI: 10.1111/567890.
Note: If the journal article does not have a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), you can use the URL of the journal's website or a stable URL from a database (if available). Make sure to italicize the title of the journal and use proper capitalization for the article title. The page range should be included for the specific article.
Books
One Author:
Footnote:
John Smith, The History of Science (New York: Oxford University Press, 2023), 30.
Reference list:
Smith, John. The History of Science. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Two Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith and Mary Johnson, Environmental Conservation: Principles and Practice (Boston: Pearson, 2023), 56.
Reference list:
Smith, John, and Mary Johnson. Environmental Conservation: Principles and Practice. Boston: Pearson, 2023.
Three Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith, Mary Johnson, and David Lee, Introduction to Economics (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2023), 40-41.
Reference list:
Smith, John, Mary Johnson, and David Lee. Introduction to Economics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2023.
Multiple Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith et al., The Science of Psychology (London: Routledge, 2023), 67.
Reference list:
Smith, John, et al. The Science of Psychology. London: Routledge, 2023.
Book Chapters
One Author:
Footnote:
John Smith, "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity," in Environmental Studies: Challenges and Solutions, ed. Mary Johnson and David Lee (New York: Oxford University Press, 2023), 48.
Reference list:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." In Environmental Studies: Challenges and Solutions, edited by Mary Johnson and David Lee, 45-60. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Two Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith and Mary Johnson, "Urbanization and Air Pollution," in Environmental Challenges in Modern Cities, ed. Mary Johnson, David Lee, and Sarah Williams (New York: Oxford University Press, 2023), 56.
Reference list:
Smith, John, and Mary Johnson. "Urbanization and Air Pollution." In Environmental Challenges in Modern Cities, edited by Mary Johnson, David Lee, and Sarah Williams, 45-60. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Three Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith, Mary Johnson, and David Lee, “The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development,” in Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies, ed. James Brown (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2023), 230.
Reference list:
Smith, John, Mary Johnson, and David Lee. “The Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Development.” In Advances in Renewable Energy Technologies, edited by James Brown, 220-235. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2023.
Multiple Authors:
Footnote:
John Smith et al., "The Science of Psychology," in Perspectives on Human Behavior, ed. Jennifer White (London: Routledge, 2023), 100-120.
Reference list:
Smith, John, et al. "The Science of Psychology." In Perspectives on Human Behavior, edited by Jennifer White, 100-120. London: Routledge, 2023.
Websites
With author name available
Footnote:
John Smith, "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity," Environmental Studies Online, July 15, 2023, https://www.environmentalstudiesonline.com/articles/climate-change-biodiversity.
Reference list:
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." Environmental Studies Online, July 15, 2023. https://www.environmentalstudiesonline.com/articles/climate-change-biodiversity.
Without author name
Footnote:
"Global Warming and Its Effects," Climate Change Today, July 25, 2023, https://www.climatechangetoday.com/global-warming-effects.
Reference list:
"Global Warming and Its Effects." Climate Change Today, July 25, 2023. https://www.climatechangetoday.com/global-warming-effects.
Note: There is no need to provide access date unless the website content does not list a date.
Edited book
Footnote:
Mary Johnson, ed., Environmental Studies: Challenges and Solutions (New York: Oxford University Press, 2023), 45-60.
Reference list:
Johnson, Mary, ed. Environmental Studies: Challenges and Solutions. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Translated book
Footnote:
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude, trans. Gregory Rabassa (New York: Harper & Row, 1970), 50-65.
Reference list:
Garcia Marquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Translated by Gregory Rabassa. New York: Harper & Row, 1970.
Books with an edition number
Footnote:
Robert M. Pirsig, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, 40th Anniversary Edition (New York: William Morrow, 2005).
Reference list:
Pirsig, Robert M. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values. 40th Anniversary Edition. New York: William Morrow, 2005.
Books with a volume number
Footnote:
John Smith, History of the World, Vol. 2 (London: Penguin Books, 2023), 78.
Reference list:
Smith, John. History of the World. Vol. 2. London: Penguin Books, 2023.
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
This Publication Ethics follows the guidelines of The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)
For Editors
Publication Decision. The journal editor, in collaboration with the editorial staff, expert reviewer, and the editorial board, makes decisions regarding publication of submissions based on the value of the contribution to researchers and readers. The journal editor must act in accordance with the provisions regarding defamation, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.
Assessment. The journal editor needs to maintain objectivity in evaluating manuscripts. Submissions are to be judged based on research value. Factors such as religion, gender, ethnicity, etc. should not play a part in the assessment.
Confidentiality. The journal editor and editorial staff must work to ensure that information about the manuscript is made available only to individuals directly involved in the review and editorial process.
Conflicts of Interest. The journal editor and editorial staff cannot use manuscript content and information received from the review process for personal gains. In the case that there is a conflict of interest, the editor should refrain from reviewing the manuscript.
Addressing complaints. Upon receiving any complaints about submitted manuscripts or already published articles, the editor must take steps to address the complaints and bring the issue to a satisfactory conclusion.
For Reviewers
Role of reviewer. Peer review by qualified experts constitutes an important part of the academic and scientific research approach. It is particularly valuable to the decision-making process of the editor.
Efficiency. Timeliness is important in the success of publications. Reviewer should be conscientious of the deadline for peer review in order to ensure an effective process.
Confidentiality. Manuscripts sent for peer review are confidential documents and cannot be forwarded to or discussed with other individuals not directly involved in the decision-making process.
Objectivity. Reviewer comments must follow the guidelines of the journal. Clear arguments must be provided for any criticisms.
Transparency. If the reviewer discovers substantial similarities between a manuscript being reviewed and other previously published work, the reviewer shall inform the editor and provide the necessary documentation.
Conflict of interest. The reviewer cannot use manuscript content and information received from the review process for personal gains. In the case that there is a conflict of interest, the reviewer should refrain from reviewing the manuscript.
For Authors
Professional writing standard. The articles must accurately represent the research carried out by the author with sufficient reference to support the studies presented in the article.
Originality and Plagiarism. The journal does not condone plagiarism in any form. The article submitted must represent original work with appropriate citations and quotations as needed. It is important for authors to acknowledge the work of others, including previous work of the author him/herself. However, excessive and inappropriate self-citation is highly discouraged. The journal may decide to use a software to screen for plagiarism.
Submitting to multiple journals. Submitting the same work to more than one publication is not acceptable.
Recognition of reference resources. Accurate presentation of resources (primary sources, secondary sources, personal communication, interviews, etc..) must be made. The author must also acquire the necessary permission for the publication of any information received.
Authorship. All individuals involved in the research process and the writing of the article need to be recognized accordingly.
Notification of error. The author must inform the editor of any major errors found in his/her published work in order to take the necessary steps to correct or retract the paper as needed.
Complementary hard copy. In addition to full access to the online journal, all contributors will receive 1-2 complementary copies of the printed version of the journal.
JOURNAL POLICY ON USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE BY AUTHORS AND REVIEWERS
Policy for the Use of AI by Authors in Academic Publications
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy outlines the acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by authors submitting manuscripts to Religion and Social Communication. It ensures transparency, ethical standards, and integrity in academic research and writing, in alignment with existing policies from leading academic journals.
2. Permissible Use of AI Tools
AI tools may be used in the preparation of manuscripts, but their use must adhere to the following conditions:
Language Assistance: Authors may use AI for language editing, grammar correction, and improving the clarity of writing. However, the intellectual content of the manuscript must be entirely the author’s original work.
Data Analysis: AI-powered data analysis tools may be used, provided the methodologies are rigorously validated and clearly documented in the methods section of the manuscript.
Bibliographic Management: AI tools for reference generation or bibliographic management may be employed, but authors are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all citations.
3. Prohibited Use of AI Tools
Content Generation: AI-generated content, including text, figures, or entire sections, must not be included in the manuscript unless explicitly acknowledged and reviewed. The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create artwork, such as commissioned content covers or graphical abstracts, is not permitted. The primary intellectual and creative contribution must come from the authors.
Authorship: AI tools or systems cannot be listed as co-authors. The authors must take full responsibility for the content of the manuscript and the integrity of the work.
4. Disclosure Requirements
Authors must disclose any use of AI tools in the preparation of their manuscripts. This includes AI for language editing, data analysis, or other purposes. The disclosure should be mentioned in the acknowledgments section of the manuscript, and should include (1) the specific platform/tool they’ve used, and (2) the specific use of the platform/tool.
Any AI use that might influence the results or conclusions of the work must be clearly explained in the methods or discussion section.
5. Accountability
Authors are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and originality of their work, regardless of the use of AI tools. Any ethical issues arising from improper AI use will be treated in accordance with the journal's ethical guidelines and may result in rejection or retraction of the manuscript. Authors should familiarize themselves with Religion and Social Communication’s Journal Policies & Guide for Authors before they submit.
6. Ethical and Legal Compliance
AI tools used by authors must comply with all ethical standards, including data privacy, consent, and intellectual property laws. The use of AI in a way that compromises the ethical conduct of research will result in appropriate actions as outlined in the journal’s misconduct policies.
Policy Regarding the Use of AI by Peer Reviewers of Academic Articles
1. Purpose
This policy outlines the acceptable use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools by peer reviewers in evaluating academic articles submitted to Religion and Social Communication. The goal is to maintain the integrity, objectivity, and fairness of the peer review process while responsibly leveraging AI technology to support rigorous evaluation.
2. Permissible Use of AI Tools
AI tools may be used to enhance, but not replace, the reviewer’s expertise and judgment. The feedback given during peer review must be the reviewer’s own opinion and suggestions.
Permissible uses include literature search and analysis to contextualize the manuscript, plagiarism detection to spot academic dishonesty, data verification for accuracy and integrity, and bias identification (e.g., gender or geographic bias) to ensure fairness in the review process. Reviewers remain responsible for confirming the relevance and quality of all findings.
3. Prohibited Use of AI Tools
AI tools cannot replace human judgment or ethical responsibilities. Reviewers must personally evaluate manuscripts and make decisions, without relying solely on AI. They cannot share confidential information or use AI to violate intellectual property laws.
4. Disclosure Requirements
Transparency in AI use is essential for trust in peer review. Reviewers must disclose any AI tools used, specifying their purpose (e.g., plagiarism detection, data verification). If the tools have known limitations or biases, reviewers should acknowledge them and explain how they were accounted for to avoid influencing the review outcome.
5. Ethical Considerations
Peer reviewers using AI tools must adhere to the highest ethical standards in academic publishing. AI should enhance objectivity and fairness, comply with data privacy regulations, and reviewers must be transparent about how AI influenced their assessment, providing clear explanations for AI-supported findings.
6. Accountability
Peer reviewers are responsible for the integrity and quality of their evaluations. AI tools should aid, not replace, their intellectual and ethical judgment. Misuse of AI, such as failing to disclose its use or relying on it for prohibited tasks, may lead to disciplinary actions, including removal from the peer review pool.