In the world of academic publishing, ensuring the credibility and integrity of research is very important. However, the rise of predatory journals creates a significant threat to academic excellence, often misleading researchers and undermining the quality of scholarly work. One such case is that of International Academic & Scientific Research Publication (IASR Publication), which has recently come under scrutiny for unethical practices. Our investigation has revealed troubling findings that raise serious concerns about its legitimacy.
Investigation Findings
IASR Publication markets itself as a legitimate academic journal, attracting researchers with promises of swift and easy publication. However, a deeper investigation into their operations has uncovered alarming practices:
- High Levels of Plagiarism: Upon examining a selection of articles published by IASR, we discovered up to 98% similarity between their papers and already published works using the plagiarism detection software, Turnitin. This level of similarity is a clear indication of open plagiarism, which not only violates academic integrity but also threaten the trust researchers place in scholarly publications.
- AI-Generated Content: In addition to plagiarism, our investigation revealed the use of AI-generated content in several published articles. While AI can assist in drafting and editing, using it to create entire articles without proper oversight or attribution crosses ethical lines. The presence of AI-generated text, without proper acknowledgement, suggests a deliberate attempt to bypass rigorous academic standards.
- Lack of Peer Review: Another hallmark of predatory journals is the absence of a genuine peer-review process. From the articles examined, it is apparent that IASR does not follow rigorous editorial standards. This lack of quality control results in the publication of flawed and unoriginal research, contributing to the degradation of academic standards.
- Deceptive Website: The IASR website appears professional at first glance, but a closer look reveals inconsistencies. The site features minimal information about the editorial-board, review processes, and affiliations with credible institutions—warning signs that the journal lacks transparency and credibility.
IASR Publication Website: https://iasrpublication.com/ijhss/journal
Below are some of the Turnitin reports that you should look at before considering this journal:
Note: After reviewing this report, the administrator of the plagiarized journal may remove these articles from their server. Therefore, we recommend downloading the report by clicking the download button provided next to the article above.
The Impact of Predatory Journals
Predatory journals like IASR Publication not only harm individual researchers but also damage the broader academic community. Scholars who publish in these outlets may unknowingly tarnish their reputations, as their work may not be taken seriously by peers or considered for future opportunities. Additionally, the propagation of low-quality, plagiarized research erodes the foundation of scientific knowledge and contributes to misinformation.