Q: How to respond to a reviewer comment that is too vague?

We understand your frustration. Occasionally, one comes across reviewer comments that are not specific or particularly helpful. Let us try and address this as best we can. Problems with the Discussion could broadly point to (a) an inadequate literature review or insufficient discussion about what is known about the topic you have addressed in your study or (b) room for improvement in the interpretation of your current findings.

Here are some pointers to help you “improve” your Discussion.

• Make sure you have not simply repeated the results. Have your findings been compared and discussed vis-à-vis published findings in a comprehensive manner?
• The Discussion section is also a place where the strengths and limitations of your study should appear. Have you provided these?
• Have you explored the short-term and long-term implications and applications or policy implications (if applicable) of your findings?
• Do the concluding statements tie up the study well?
• Have you indicated what lacunae remain and what should be addressed in future studies?

Overall, if you have these bases covered, the issues should be resolved! Once you are convinced that you have addressed these points, you may indicate so in your response letter.

You might find these resources valuable:

• The secret to writing the Results and Discussion sections of a manuscript
• How To Write Results And Discussions Section In A Research Paper?

Hope this helps. All the best for your submission!