Navigating Incomprehensible Paper Reviews: Strategies and Insights

Receiving incomprehensible comments from a reviewer can be incredibly frustrating. However, with the right approach, you can transform these challenges into opportunities for improvement. This guide outlines several strategies to help you manage difficult reviews and emerge stronger with your revised paper.

Step Away and Re-Read

One of the first steps to take is to step away from the comments for a while. Taking a break can help you approach the feedback with a fresh perspective. After a short period, go through the comments again. Sometimes, a second reading can provide clarity that you missed the first time. The human mind can perceive new details after a brief break, and this can be valuable in understanding your reviewers' points.

Seek Clarification and Support

If the comments remain unclear, it's important to seek clarification from the journal editor. Politely explain your concerns and request additional guidance. Communicating openly and respectfully can often resolve ambiguities. Additionally, discussing the comments with colleagues or mentors who are familiar with the topic can be tremendously helpful. They might offer alternative interpretations or insights based on their experience, which can be invaluable in deciphering complex feedback.

Respond Thoughtfully and Prioritize Clear Comments

When you respond to the editor's request for clarification, be sure to do so thoughtfully. Address each comment as thoroughly as possible, and if a comment is genuinely incomprehensible, explain that you found it difficult to understand and ask for further clarification. Prioritize the other comments that are clear and actionable. Even if you can't address every single comment, focusing on the most critical feedback can significantly improve your paper. This approach demonstrates your commitment to the review process and your willingness to engage constructively with the feedback.

Maintain a Professional Tone

No matter how frustrated you may feel, it's crucial to maintain a professional and respectful tone in all communications. This approach not only helps to preserve a positive relationship with the reviewers and editors but also sets a professional tone for your discourse within the academic community. A polite and courteous demeanor can lead to more productive and cooperative interactions in the future.

Learn and Adapt

Finally, use this experience as a learning opportunity. Consider how you can improve your writing in future submissions. Perhaps you can enhance your clarity, ensure that your assumptions are clear, or simplify overly complex language. By reflecting on these challenges and implementing strategies to address them, you can become a better writer and improve the overall quality of your academic contributions.

While it is true that some reviewers might not fully understand your work, it's more likely that your paper assumes too much of the reader, doesn't make sense, or uses convoluted language. In these cases, a vigorous edit can be the best solution. By systematically reviewing your paper, enhancing clarity, and seeking feedback from your peers, you can turn a challenging review into a valuable opportunity for growth and improvement.