Peer Review Policies

Peer Review Policies

Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Journal of Counseling (BTIJC) upholds a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the publication of high-quality and impactful research in the field of counseling. The journal implements the following policies and procedures:

1. Type of Peer Review

BTIJC uses a double-blind peer review system:

  • Reviewers do not know the identity of the authors.

  • Authors do not know the identity of the reviewers.

This process helps maintain objectivity and impartiality in evaluating submitted manuscripts.

2. Review Process

  • All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening to assess relevance, originality, and compliance with the journal’s guidelines.

  • Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are assigned to at least two independent reviewers with expertise in the relevant subject area.

  • Reviewers are selected based on academic qualifications, research experience, and publication history.

3. Review Criteria

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on:

  • Relevance to the field of counseling;

  • Originality and contribution to knowledge;

  • Clarity of objectives and methodology;

  • Soundness of data and analysis;

  • Organization and structure of the manuscript;

  • Adherence to ethical research standards;

  • Clarity and quality of writing.

4. Review Timeline

  • The review process generally takes 4–6 weeks, depending on reviewer availability and complexity of the manuscript.

  • Authors will receive notification of the editorial decision as soon as both reviews are completed.

5. Decision Categories

Based on reviewers' recommendations, the editorial team will decide to:

  • Accept;

  • Accept with minor revisions;

  • Request major revisions and resubmission;

  • Reject.

Authors are given the opportunity to revise and resubmit manuscripts where applicable. Revised manuscripts may be sent for re-evaluation by the original or new reviewers.

6. Confidentiality

All manuscripts and review reports are treated as confidential documents. Reviewers are expected to:

  • Maintain confidentiality;

  • Not use any part of the manuscript for personal advantage;

  • Declare any conflicts of interest before accepting the review task.

7. Ethical Considerations

BTIJC follows ethical guidelines as outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Any form of plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical research practice will result in immediate rejection and appropriate action.