Link the comment to a specific passage
Identify the page, table, calculation or answer to a question. Then briefly describe the problem: missing source material, incomparable data or an undisclosed basis. A general negative opinion of the author does not help verify the study or replace an analysis of its contents.
Check the significance of the shortcoming found
A typo and an error that changes a calculation or interpretation have different significance. It is important to explain which conclusion the comment affects and whether that effect can be checked using the materials provided. Not every presentation defect makes all the study's results incorrect.
Do not substitute a new study of the object for a review
If checking a theory requires an inspection, measurements or new samples, that is a separate task. A review assesses the work done and its grounds to the extent possible with what is available. Missing data cannot be compensated for with assumptions favourable to one party.
What to prepare
- The complete report and all available appendices.
- The original assignment or study questions.
- A table of comments with page numbers.
- A description of the anticipated effect of each comment.
- Materials that allow a specific statement to be checked.
What to bear in mind
The overturning of a report or the outcome of a dispute cannot be promised based on the number of comments. What matters is whether they are substantiated, their connection with the conclusions and their assessment within the relevant procedure.
Outcome of preliminary preparation
The prepared list helps distinguish substantive questions about methodology and data from simple disagreement with an unfavourable result.
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