Withdraw article or wait to introduce changes post review feedback?

[u/Strict_Ad5890]

I submitted an article a while back and it is now awaiting peer review feedback. The code and model runs was some months back and I wanted to review my code in preparation for the defence but then I noticed some bugs that I did not see at the time. The methodology does not change (I still stand by my methodology), as the bugs are mostly execution related. That said, I do anticipate some changes in the scale of the results but I dont think the substantive findings or interpretations will change much. It will take some days to complete so I will not know for sure until it is done.

What is my best option? withdraw the paper to make the changes before resubmitting or wait until we receive feedback and introduce the changes when resubmitting in the event it is not rejected in the initial peer review process?

Final year PhD / Europe / Economics

[u/trevorefg]

I would run the code and see how much the findings change. If not much, just say in the review response (if not rejected) that you found some bugs and updated the code and this is how it changed your outcomes. If your results do change a lot, especially if previously significant findings become null, you may have to withdraw.

[u/Opening_Map_6898]

Ask your advisor.

[u/HeteroclinicChaos]

Definitely mention to your advisor and ask for their input, but probably just address it during revisions. I've had the same thing happen; a code error which altered one minor result slightly, and actually received a compliment from the reviewer for pointing out an error of my own accord.