Artificial Intelligence (AI) guidance for authors, peer reviewers, and editors: A content analysis of journal policies

Abstract

This study aims to examine how scholarly journals advise authors, peer reviewers, and journal editors about the acceptable use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the scholarly publishing process.<b>Methods:</b> Using a content analysis method, policies from 80 journals were collected in August 2024 from publicly available websites. Data from the journal policies related to AI authorship and allowable AI use by authors, peer reviewers, and editors were entered into a spreadsheet and analyzed using descriptive statistics.<b>Findings:</b> The results show that 62.5% (<i>n</i> = 50) of the journal policies mentioned AI. 96% of these journals did not permit AI to be listed as an author. 54% of journals allowed authors to use AI tools to improve language in their manuscript, whereas using AI to generate images was prohibited by 26% of journals. 64% of journals did not provide any AI-related guidance for peer reviewers/editors.<b>Conclusion:</b> This research advances the literature by detailing journal policies regarding AI authorship, the allowed use of AI for authors and peer reviewers, and disciplinary distinctions in AI treatment. The findings underscore the need for enhanced guidance directed at authors, peer reviewers, and editors regarding the ethical and appropriate application of AI tools.

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