Basics of Peer Review

Q: What is the difference between 'general and specific corrections' and 'minor and major corrections'?

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I received my paper after the peer review process. For corrections, one reviewer differentiated them into minor and major corrections. Another reviewer differentiated them into general and specific corrections. I found one question identified as a minor correction by one reviewer and as a specific correction by another reviewer. How do I distinguish between 'minor and major corrections' and 'general and specific corrections'?

Asked on 22 Jul, 2020

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Actually, you needn’t worry too much about this segregation. From what you have described, while the two reviewers have identified their suggested/requested changes with different nomenclature, you seem to be quite clear about how to address them. You seem to be unsure of only one comment. As that has been identified as ‘minor’ by one reviewer and as ‘specific’ by another, it looks to be an easy fix. Also, a comment can be both ‘minor’ and ‘specific,’ just as it can be any of the other combinations as well. :-)

This demarcation happens because the two reviewers review in different styles, and the editor when collating their comments, just overlays one with the other, instead of syncing them up and having only one style. It’s not very ideal, but that’s the way it is.

Again, you sound quite sorted about how to proceed with the changes. But if you’re still not sure, you could consider dropping in a mail to the editor to check.

For the peer review changes, you may find the following resources helpful: