The Artvin Çoruh University International Journal of Social Sciences (ACUSBD) applies the double-blind peer review system for all submitted manuscripts in accordance with publishing ethics principles. In this system, the identities of the author(s) and the reviewers are kept confidential from each other to ensure that evaluations are conducted objectively, fairly, and on the basis of scientific criteria.

Manuscripts are first examined by the editorial board in terms of the journal’s aim and scope, compliance with author guidelines, academic contribution, and plagiarism screening results. Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria are rejected or returned to the author(s) for revision before entering the peer-review process.

Manuscripts passing the preliminary evaluation are, if necessary anonymized, and sent by the editor to at least two independent reviewers. Reviewers assess the manuscript in terms of originality, methodology, contribution to the literature, ethical compliance, and language quality. In case of major discrepancies between reviewer reports (e.g., one acceptance and one rejection), a third reviewer may be appointed.

Reviewers are granted 4 weeks to complete their evaluations. Extensions may be provided when necessary.

Based on the reviewer reports, the editorial board makes one of the following decisions:

For revision decisions, the revised version of the manuscript must be uploaded to the system by the author(s). All revisions should be highlighted in red within the text. Additionally, a “Response to Reviewer Report” document outlining how reviewer comments were addressed should be uploaded as a supplementary file. In cases of major revisions, the manuscript may be resubmitted to the reviewers for further evaluation.

The peer-review process is generally completed within 6–8 weeks, depending on the reviewers’ response times and the revision process.

After successfully passing peer review, manuscripts undergo Turkish and English language checks. Upon completion of this stage, the manuscript receives final acceptance and proceeds to the layout process.

Once the layout process is completed, manuscripts are finalized and prepared for publication.

Throughout the entire evaluation process, the principles of impartiality and confidentiality are strictly observed. Reviewer reports are shared only with the editorial board and the relevant author(s).