Advances in Consumer Research recognizes the growing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in academic research and scholarly communication. This policy establishes clear guidelines regarding the ethical, transparent, and responsible use of AI technologies in the preparation, submission, peer review, and publication of manuscripts.
The journal supports innovation while ensuring that the integrity, originality, accountability, and reliability of scholarly research are maintained.
Authors may use Generative AI tools (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, or similar technologies) to assist with:
Language editing and grammar correction
Improving readability and clarity
Formatting and organization of content
Literature discovery and research support
Coding assistance and data analysis support
However, AI tools should only serve as supportive instruments and must not replace the intellectual contributions of researchers.
Authors remain fully responsible for:
The accuracy of all content.
The originality of the manuscript.
The validity of data, analyses, and conclusions.
Proper citation of sources.
Compliance with ethical and publication standards.
The use of AI does not transfer responsibility from the author to the AI system.
Authors must disclose the use of Generative AI tools if such tools have made a substantial contribution to manuscript preparation.
A disclosure statement may be included in the manuscript as follows:
"The authors used [AI Tool Name] to assist with language editing and manuscript preparation. All content was reviewed, verified, and approved by the authors, who remain fully responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the work."
Routine grammar or spelling corrections that do not materially influence the manuscript generally do not require disclosure.
Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors because they:
Cannot take responsibility for the work.
Cannot approve manuscript submissions.
Cannot manage conflicts of interest.
Cannot fulfill authorship requirements.
Only humans who meet established authorship criteria may be listed as authors.
The following uses of Generative AI are strictly prohibited:
Fabricating or falsifying research data.
Generating fake citations or references.
Creating misleading, deceptive, or manipulated results.
Producing fraudulent images, figures, or datasets without disclosure.
Misrepresenting AI-generated content as independently conducted research.
Using AI to manipulate the peer-review process.
Any such conduct may result in rejection, retraction, or other corrective actions.
If AI tools are used to generate, modify, or enhance:
Images
Graphs
Figures
Illustrations
Datasets
Authors must clearly disclose this use within the manuscript and provide sufficient details regarding the tools and methods employed.
The Editorial Office may request additional documentation to verify the authenticity and reliability of such materials.
Authors may employ AI-assisted technologies for research purposes, including:
Statistical analysis
Machine learning applications
Predictive modeling
Natural language processing
Consumer behavior analytics
The methodology section must clearly describe:
The AI tool or model used.
Software version (where applicable).
Parameters and settings.
Validation procedures.
Limitations of the AI system.
Research findings generated using AI must remain reproducible and verifiable.
Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality of submitted manuscripts.
Reviewers should not upload confidential manuscripts, data, figures, or supplementary files to public or commercial AI systems that may store, learn from, or reuse submitted content.
Reviewers remain solely responsible for the content of their review reports and recommendations.
Editors may use AI tools for administrative support, language improvement, or workflow assistance.
However, editorial decisions regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection must always be made by qualified human editors and must not be delegated to AI systems.
The journal reserves the right to:
Screen submissions for AI-generated content.
Request clarification regarding AI use.
Require additional documentation or raw data.
Investigate suspected misuse of AI technologies.
Failure to disclose significant AI use may be considered a breach of publication ethics.
The use of Generative AI must comply with the journal's:
Research and Publication Ethics Policy
Plagiarism Policy
Copyright Policy
Peer Review Policy
Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to use AI responsibly and transparently in accordance with internationally recognized ethical publishing standards.
As AI technologies continue to evolve, Advances in Consumer Research reserves the right to revise and update this policy to reflect emerging best practices and international publishing standards.
