Generative AI Policy

StatX: Journal of Advanced Statistical Methods and Applications recognizes the growing use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies in scholarly writing. This policy is established to promote transparency and to provide clear guidance for authors, editors, reviewers, readers, and contributors. The journal will continue to monitor developments in this area and update the policy when necessary.

This policy applies only to the use of generative AI in the writing process. It does not apply to the use of AI tools for research purposes such as data analysis, statistical modelling, computation, or other methodological applications, provided that such use is appropriately disclosed in the manuscript.

Guidelines for Authors

Authors may use generative AI or AI-assisted technologies only to improve the language, readability, and presentation of their manuscripts. Authors must ensure that all AI-assisted outputs are carefully reviewed, edited, and verified by humans before submission. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, integrity, and final content of their manuscripts.

Generative AI tools must not be used in a way that compromises scientific integrity, produces misleading statements, fabricates references, or replaces the authors’ own intellectual contribution.

Declaration of AI Usage

If generative AI or AI-assisted tools are used in the writing process, authors must include a statement in the manuscript under a separate section titled:

Declaration of Use of AI in the Writing Process

This statement should be placed before the References section and should follow this format:

The author(s) used [NAME OF TOOL/SERVICE] during the preparation of this manuscript to [STATE THE PURPOSE]. After using this tool/service, the author(s) reviewed and edited the content as necessary and take full responsibility for the content of the published article.

If no generative AI tools were used in the writing process, authors may state:

Nothing to disclose.

Exceptions and Clarifications

The use of basic tools for grammar checking, spelling correction, and reference management is not considered generative AI use under this policy and does not require disclosure.

Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors of a manuscript. Authorship implies accountability, responsibility, and the ability to approve the final version of the work, which can only be assumed by human authors.

The editorial team may evaluate the use of AI on a case-by-case basis, especially where AI-generated text appears to affect the originality, clarity, reliability, or integrity of the manuscript.

Use of AI in Research

This policy does not prohibit the use of AI tools in the research process itself, including data processing, statistical analysis, modelling, coding assistance, or other research-related applications. However, when such tools are used as part of the research methodology, authors must describe their use clearly and appropriately in the Methods section or other relevant sections of the manuscript.

Use of Generative AI for Image Creation

The use of generative AI tools for image creation is subject to the following principles:

Explanatory and Conceptual Images
AI-generated diagrams, illustrations, or conceptual figures may be permitted, provided that they are accurate, clearly presented, and do not mislead readers.

Artistic or Design Images
AI-generated visuals may be used for artistic or design purposes, such as cover concepts or promotional illustrations, provided that copyright, licensing, and usage rights are clear.

Factual, Scientific, or Evidential Images
AI-generated images must not be used as factual or evidential material in support of scientific claims, results, or observations, because such images may not be sufficiently verifiable or reliable.

Guidance for Reviewers

Reviewers must treat all manuscripts received for review as confidential documents. Manuscripts or any part of them must not be uploaded to generative AI tools or external platforms, as doing so may violate confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and data privacy, particularly where unpublished or personally identifiable information is involved.

Reviewers remain fully responsible for the content, accuracy, and confidentiality of their review reports.

Guidance for Editors

Editors must also treat submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. Editors must not upload manuscripts, reviewer reports, or editorial correspondence to generative AI tools or other external systems that may compromise confidentiality, privacy, or authors’ rights.

Editors are responsible for ensuring that the use of AI in the editorial process does not undermine ethical standards, confidentiality, or the integrity of editorial decision-making.

Policy Review

StatX: Journal of Advanced Statistical Methods and Applications will periodically review and update this policy to ensure that it remains aligned with best practices in scholarly publishing and developments in generative AI technologies.