Corrections, Retractions, & Version Control

Policy Statement

Where an honest error is identified after publication that does not undermine the article's overall validity, for example a minor factual or citation error, PJN publishes a linked correction notice (erratum or corrigendum) describing the change. Corrections are issued promptly upon verification of the error, and both the original article and the correction remain linked and accessible. Where an error is substantive enough to affect the validity of the article's findings or conclusions, retraction is used instead of a correction.

PJN follows the COPE Retraction Guidelines. An article may be retracted where there is clear evidence of unreliable findings due to major error or misconduct (such as data fabrication), redundant publication, plagiarism, unethical research, or an undisclosed conflict of interest that would have affected the editorial decision. Retracted articles remain accessible online, clearly marked “RETRACTED,” with a linked retraction notice explaining the reason.

1. Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to any article already published in PJN, at any point after publication, where an error, retraction ground, or version discrepancy is identified.

2. Definitions

Correction (Erratum/Corrigendum): A published notice describing and fixing a specific error in an already-published article, without retracting it.

Retraction: A formal notice indicating that a published article's findings can no longer be relied upon; the article remains accessible with that notice attached.

Version of Record: The final, definitive published version of an article, including any subsequent corrections, tracked and clearly linked to prior versions.