ABSTRACT

• Abstract


  A self-contained, short, and powerful statement that describes a larger work
• Abstract


  A short, objective description of an intellectual work, often a written document
• Abstract


  A 150-500 word paragraph that provides a quick overview of an essay or work
• Abstract


  A summary of a research article, thesis, review, or any paper that delves into a particular subject
• Function of an abstract

  • To describe, not to evaluate or defend a paper
  • Simplifies complex research
  • To select basic research to propose for presentations
  • Helps decide if the reader wants to read the rest of the paper
  • Allows one to sift through copious numbers of papers
• Types of abstracts

  • Descriptive abstract
  • Informative abstract
  • Critical abstract
• Descriptive abstract


  • Also called indicative abstract
  • Describes the work, indicates the type of information in the paper
  • May include purpose, methods, and scope of the research
  • 100 words or less
  • 3 parts: scope, arguments used, conclusions
• Informative abstract


  • Also called complete abstract
  • Includes the components of a descriptive abstract (purpose, methods, scope) but also includes results & conclusion
  • Usually no more than 500 words
  • 4 points: purpose, methodology, results, conclusion
• Critical abstract


  • Includes a judgment about the validity of the study, in addition to outlining the main points & arguments of the paper
  • Evaluates & compares w other papers
  • 400-500 words due to additional commentary
• Abstract writing style

  • Active voice
  • Concise but complete sentences
  • Past tense
• Abstract formatting

  • Single paragraph in block format
  • Immediately follows the title page
  • Don't number the pages
  • Center the word "ABSTRACT" w double spacing bet. heading & abstract
  • Last sentences should summarize everything
• Although it is the first section of a paper, the abstract should be written last
• What an abstract should not contain

  • Lengthy background
  • Redundant phrases
  • Acronyms or abbreviations
  • References to other literature
  • Ellipticals
  • Jargon
  • Citations to other works
  • Images, illustrations, figures, visual graphics
• IMRAD structure

  Introduction, methods, results, and discussion