Q: Reviewer says the results of the study are already known - How to respond to that?

Detailed Question -

I submitted a manuscript to a journal and i got a response that with major revision it can be published. The only comment was that the results of my study are already known. I am not sure how to respond to that.

1 Answer to this question
Answer:

Dear Author,

The reviewer is likely implying that the findings are not novel and similar studies have been conducted. What you could do is elaborate on how your study contributes to the existing literature: even if the results are similar to what's been found, is the study adding to the results' robustness by testing the same parameters as previous studies but in different settings, using a different method etc.? In addition, if not already done, these previous studies will need to be cited.

I wish you success with the publication of your manuscript.

Comment