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Policies

AI Policy

With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), Cultural Anthropology recognizes the fast changing landscape of academic research and publishing. The editorial collective’s policy details the use of AI-assisted tools and AI-generated content in the review, production, and publication of submissions. We seek to support authors and peer reviewers without putting institutional, personal, or proprietary information at risk. The policy builds on the journal’s existing editorial norms and submission guidelines. Authors and peer reviewers are encouraged to consider both the advantages and limitations of AI. When used sensibly, AI can be utilized in a way that maintains the journal’s high publishing standards and safeguards intellectual property. Below, we distinguish the varied creative roles of AI and responsibilities of authors, peer reviewers, and the editorial collective.

Authors

  1. Authors may use AI-assisted tools to enhance human-generated text for readability and style.  Enhancements include ensuring that submissions are free of errors in spelling, grammar, and formatting.  Authors are not required to disclose their use of AI-assisted tools for these purposes.
  2. Authors are responsible for reviewing the terms and conditions of the AI-assisted tools used in the writing, creation, and production of their submission. Authors should confirm that the AI-assisted tools do not limit Cultural Anthropology’s publication and use of the final submission.
  3. Authors may use AI-generated content (e.g., images, text, and video) that is directly referenced in submissions examining the topics of artificial intelligence, computing, machine learning, and/or other related technology. All AI-generated content must be clearly labeled as such. Authors are required to disclose their use of AI-generated content for these purposes.
  4. Authors are required to disclose their use of AI in any phase of a research project’s methodologies (e.g., data collection and interviews) or analysis.
  5. In the case of a Colloquy, or any guest edited series, the guest editors are responsible for this policy being met. Corrective action will be taken at the editorial collective’s discretion.

Peer Reviewers

  1. Peer reviewers should flag their concerns about an author’s inappropriate use of AI to the editorial collective. 
  2. The use of AI in the review process may present confidentiality and copyright issues or present challenges to facilitating unbiased assessment. Peer reviewers should not upload an article they are reviewing to an AI engine (though they may be permitted to use AI to clear up language or otherwise edit their peer reviewer comments after they have been written, etc.).

Editorial Collective

  1. Cultural Anthropology follows the Committee on Publishing Ethics guidelines and best practices, including AI issues, as all AAA journals do. For further guidance please consult, https://publicationethics.org/guidance/cope-position/authorship-and-ai-tools.
  2.  The editorial collective is committed to transparency and accountability. We will work with authors to ensure that any concerns or questions they might have about the use of AI are addressed.