All submissions to Education Specialist (ES) are screened for textual similarity using reputable similarity-detection tools (e.g., iThenticate/Turnitin-class software). Similarity reports are used as an indicator, not a sole determinant; editors assess context (e.g., methods text, standard definitions, reference lists) before making decisions.

Similarity Thresholds & Editorial Actions

The journal applies the following policy to the overall similarity index (with bibliographies, quotations, and boilerplate sections considered in context). Exact matches to the thresholds are handled as indicated below.

Single-Source & Segment Checks

• Single-source dominance: Even with a low total index, a single-source match typically should not exceed ~10–15%. Higher values trigger editorial scrutiny.
• Segment sensitivity: Overlap in Introduction/Discussion is more concerning than brief overlap in standardized Methods. Verbatim copying without quotation is unacceptable in any section.

What Counts as Unacceptable Overlap?

• Plagiarism: Unattributed use of others’ text, figures, or ideas.
• Self-plagiarism/Redundant publication: Reuse of one’s own published text/data without citation or legitimate justification.
• Salami slicing: Fragmenting one study into multiple minimal publishable units with substantial text/data reuse.
• Figure/table reuse: Use of previously published visuals without permission/proper credit.

Author Responsibilities

• Paraphrase and cite: Write in your own words and credit all sources using the journal’s required IEEE style.
• Quote sparingly & correctly: Use quotation marks and page numbers for essential verbatim text; avoid long quotations.
• Disclose prior dissemination: Preprints, theses, or conference versions must be cited and noted in the cover letter; ensure substantial additions/rewriting.
• Document permissions: Provide permissions for any third-party images/tables or recreate them with proper attribution.

Editorial Procedure

1. Initial check: Similarity screened at submission. Out-of-range manuscripts receive desk decisions per thresholds above.
2. Post-revision verification: Revised manuscripts may be re-screened to confirm reductions and correct attribution.
3. Pre-production check: Accepted papers may undergo a final spot check to ensure no introduced overlaps during revision.

Appeals & Clarifications

Authors may appeal a similarity-based decision by supplying a point-by-point explanation (e.g., references list inflation, method boilerplate, or properly quoted text). The Editor-in-Chief will review the report, context, and appeal. Final decisions rest with the editorial team.

Practical Tips to Lower Similarity

• Summarize concepts in your own analytical language; avoid template phrases from prior works.
• Rebuild tables/figures from raw results; cite any adapted elements clearly (“Adapted from [n]”).
• Keep methods precise but concise; do not paste pages of previously published protocols.
• Audit single-source matches and reduce any block > 10–15% from one source.