What should an editor do if a small change is required in a publication?

The correct response is to issue a correction when a small change is required in a publication. A correction is a formal way to address and communicate minor errors or necessary updates in an existing article without undermining its integrity or requiring a complete overhaul of the work. Corrections help maintain the accuracy of scientific literature and ensure that readers are informed of any needed modifications, thereby enhancing the overall trust in the publication process.

In this context, issuing a retraction would be inappropriate for minor mistakes since retractions are reserved for serious issues that question the validity of the entire study, such as misconduct or falsification of data. Publishing a new paper would also be unnecessary and redundant for small adjustments that do not warrant such a significant response. Ignoring the request for change does not uphold the standards of accountability and transparency that are expected in scholarly publishing, as it disregards the importance of accuracy and correction in scientific communication.