Conflicting reviewer comments

Typically, journal editors send the manuscript to two or more reviewers who evaluate the manuscript independently, without any dialogue with each other. (In some forms of peer review a more collaborative effort is also made, but here we are referring to the traditional, blinded peer review model.) This is done to ensure that the evaluation is unbiased and free from any external influence. Under this system, it is also not uncommon for authors to receive different or even conflicting comments from peer reviewers and/or the journal editor. This could be a source of great anxiety for authors who may be unable to understand why the reviewers are saying different things and how they should tackle the situation.

Let’s hear what Prof. Mcloughlin has to say about this.


There are two main things Prof. Mcloughlin talks about here:

  • Even though reviewers point out different things, it is up to you as an author to decide, with integrity, which suggestion will add value to your manuscript.
  • In the case of conflicting reviewer comments, you MUST direct your journal editor’s attention to the issue in a polite manner.

Case study

Here’s the case of an author who approached us for help after receiving conflicting comments from peer reviewers.

How to deal with conflicting reviewer comments – A case study


Do you have an experience to share?

Have you ever received conflicting comments from reviewers? If yes, how have you dealt with the situation? Your experience could be of great learning value for our other authors taking this course. Do share it with us in the comments section below.

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Discussion

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