Reviewer Ethics Guidelines of Az-Zarqa’ Journal

(Based on COPE Ethical Standards)

1. Integrity and Confidentiality

Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality of all manuscripts under review, including data, analyses, and ideas contained within them.
Manuscripts may not be used for personal research, gain, or professional advantage without the express written permission of the editor and author(s).
Reviewers must not share, distribute, or discuss the manuscript or its content with others without the editor’s consent.

2. Objectivity and Neutrality

Reviews must be conducted objectively, based solely on the scientific quality and merit of the manuscript, without bias related to the author’s race, gender, beliefs, institutional affiliation, or political views.
Criticism should be delivered in a constructive, professional, and respectful manner, supported by clear and relevant arguments.
Reviewers must refrain from personal criticism or disparaging remarks toward the author(s).

3. Competence and Suitability

Reviewers should accept assignments only if the manuscript falls within their area of expertise and they feel competent to perform an informed review.
If a reviewer feels unqualified or unable to complete the review in a timely manner, they must promptly decline the assignment and notify the editor.

4. Timeliness

Reviewers are expected to complete reviews within the timeframe set by the editor.
If a delay is unavoidable, the reviewer should immediately inform the editor to discuss an extension or to allow the manuscript to be reassigned.

5. Detection of Errors and Plagiarism

Reviewers should notify the editor if they identify plagiarism, duplicate submission, or significant methodological or analytical errors.
Reviewers should cite relevant sources if they observe content that closely resembles previously published work or lacks appropriate attribution.

6. Conflicts of Interest (COI)

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may affect their objectivity, including financial, institutional, collaborative, or personal relationships with the author(s) or related institutions.
If a significant conflict exists, the reviewer must decline the review assignment.

7. Ethical Use of Technology and AI

If a reviewer uses technological tools or artificial intelligence (AI) during the review process, the use must be ethical, transparent, and limited to appropriate purposes (e.g., grammar checks or reference formatting).
The reviewer remains fully responsible for the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of the review report, regardless of any AI assistance used.

8. Communication with the Editor

All communications regarding the review process must be through official journal channels or directly with the editor.
Reviewers must not contact the author(s) directly regarding the manuscript during or after the review process.

9. Continuous Knowledge Update

Reviewers are encouraged to maintain up-to-date knowledge in their area of expertise to ensure the delivery of relevant, high-quality, and evidence-based feedback.

10. Breaches and Sanctions

Violations of these ethical guidelines may result in:

  • Removal from the reviewer pool of Az-Zarqa’ Journal.

  • Reporting to the reviewer’s affiliated institution or professional association.

  • Internal documentation of the breach for future reference.