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An abstract is like a movie teaser for your research paper. In addition to attracting readers, abstracts serve as helpful search tools for academics and researchers looking for articles relevant to their field of study.
It's helpful to have some basic knowledge of how to write an abstract for a research paper before you really do one because of their unique needs. The fundamentals of writing an abstract are covered in this article, along with some expert writing suggestions.
Abstract: A summarized research paper
An abstract is a summary of a research paper. Its purpose is to inform readers about the argument your paper sets forth or the conclusion of your research. An abstract must stand on its own and not refer to any other part of the paper, such as a figure or table. In just 200-300 words, an abstract briefly describes what the reader can expect to find in your paper.
Elements to include in an abstract
Here's the list of elements to include in an abstract of a research paper.
- The purpose of the research paper
- The research problem or question
- The Methods used to answer the question or solve the problem
- The findings or results of the research
- The conclusion is drawn from the findings
Informative abstracts follow more scientific and data-based frameworks as a part of a formal document. Abstracts should incorporate all the IMRaD components: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion, just like the actual research paper.
1. Introduction
Like the thesis statement, the opening of your abstract should give a general summary of the entire project. Your abstract might also include your hypothesis or research question in this section.
You want to explain the aim of your article in the first one or two phrases, including what issue it seeks to address and why the reader should care. You must also describe the surrounding background, especially any historical references.
2. Methods
This section discusses your research's methodology or how the data was obtained. This is necessary for confirming the legitimacy of your article because the scientific community won't take abstracts with questionable or missing methodology seriously.
If you are employing original research, you must describe the analytical techniques you used to get your data, including any explanations of the tools, participants, or software you utilized. It is a nice spot to indicate which data came from where if you're expanding on earlier research to avoid plagiarism.
3. Results
It's OK to "give away the outcome" in informative abstracts. Summarize the findings of your article and the conclusion in one or two sentences. Mentioning your results here might assist others in better identifying and categorizing your article because, as you should keep in mind, the majority of abstracts serve to inform rather than to attract.
This section of your abstract is usually the largest. Don't be scared to offer a few more sentences than you would for the other paragraphs because it contains most of the specific information about your work.
4. Discussion
The result and its implications are explained in the discussion section.
- What conclusion can we draw from the facts and analysis presented in this paper?
The discussion part frequently covers topics that are not directly related to the project itself, such as the consequences of the study or what it contributes to the field as a whole.
Types of abstracts
The following types of abstracts will help you decide how to write an abstract for your research paper depending on the type of research.
1. Informative Abstract
An informative abstract is an abstract type that provides an overview of a research paper or article. It includes the paper's purpose, scope, and methodology. Additionally, it briefly summarizes the paper's results and conclusion. Informative abstracts are typically used in academic settings, providing readers with enough information to determine whether the paper is relevant to their research interests.
2. Descriptive Abstract
A descriptive abstract is a type of abstract that provides a brief, objective description of a research paper or article. Unlike an informative abstract, a descriptive abstract does not include information about the paper's purpose, scope, or methodology.
However, it briefly overviews the paper's results and conclusion. Descriptive abstracts are utilized in the scientific disciplines, where readers may not be familiar with the jargon used in the paper.
3. Critical Abstract
A critical abstract is a type of abstract that provides a critical evaluation of a research paper or article. Unlike an informative or descriptive abstract, a critical abstract includes information about the paper's strengths and weaknesses.
It briefly overviews the paper's purpose, scope, and methodology. Critical abstracts are used in academic settings, as they help readers determine whether the paper is worth reading in full.
Expert suggestions to craft a striking abstract
Writing an abstract can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Following these expert suggestions on how to write an abstract will fast track your progress:
- Step One: Figure out your audience and purpose
Before you can start writing your abstract, you need to know who your audience is and what your purpose is. Knowing your targeted audience will help you determine how technical your language should be. You won't need to get too technical if you're writing for a general audience. However, if you're writing for an audience of experts, you'll need to use more technical language.
Your purpose will help you determine how extended your abstract should be. If your goal is to inform, then your abstract should be brief. However, if your purpose is to persuade or argue, your abstract will need longer to include all the necessary information.
- Step Two: Write a draft of your paper
Once you know your audience and purpose, you can start writing a draft of your paper. As you write, include all the important information from each section of your paper. When you're finished with your draft, you should have a good idea of what belongs in your abstract.
- Step Three: Write your abstract
Now that you know what information belongs in your abstract, it's time to start writing! Begin by restating your research question or problem. Then, briefly describe your methods to answer the question or solve the problem. Next, provide a brief overview of your findings or results. Finally, conclude with a statement about what those findings mean for the larger picture.
Other essential inclusions to make it more engaging
1. Keywords
Keywords list the subjects included in your work to make it easier for others interested in locating it, especially with online forms. Before adding your own, check the guidelines for listing keywords in the APA format (shown below).
2. Concerns about ethics
If your research involves experimentation on living creatures, which is an ethically dubious practice, you might wish to mention any worries or provide assurances here.
3. Consequences
It's a good idea to include in the abstract if your study contradicts or challenges a widely held theory or view, especially if you have new information to support it.
Conclusion
Writing an abstract can seem tough sometimes, but it doesn't have to be! By following these simple steps on how to write an abstract for research paper—you can make the process easy and painless. So don't delay; start writing that perfect research paper today!
Explore more on how to write an abstract
- How to Write an Abstract for a Report?
- A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Write a Stellar Abstract for your Thesis
- How to Write A Good Abstract
Contact Premier Dissertations to help craft the perfect abstract for your next academic paper.
