What should I do if I don't agree with the reviewer's suggestions?

If you disagree with a reviewer's suggestions, it is indeed possible and sometimes necessary to contest them professionally. This requires formulating a well-justified, reasoned response. Objectively re-evaluate the critique's validity against your work's goals and evidence. Prepare a detailed rebuttal focusing on factual inaccuracies, misinterpretations, or conflicting evidence; subjective preferences generally hold less weight. Provide counterarguments supported by logic and data, suggesting constructive alternative solutions where applicable. Always maintain a respectful, impersonal tone focusing solely on scholarly merit, regardless of the reviewer's tone or anonymity. The scope for disagreement is valid critique, not reviewer instructions aligned with journal policies. Prepare a comprehensive point-by-point response letter addressing every reviewer comment. Explicitly state the disagreement, meticulously justifying your stance using evidence, literature, and methodological reasoning. Propose a valid alternative action if relevant, explaining its adherence to the research's integrity. Submit this reasoned response along with the revised manuscript to the editor, who makes the final decision. This process upholds scholarly standards and ensures the final work accurately represents your research.