A research paper abstract provides a short summary of your entire paper. It introduces the objective or purpose of the research, outlines the methodology, highlights the major findings or trends, and points out the conclusions.
The abstract is usually placed immediately after the title page of a research paper or report. It is typically between 150-250 words and is written in one paragraph, double-spaced. The abstract should be self-contained, which means it should introduce the research topic without needing to refer to the main text of the paper. Since the abstract represents the research paper in a nutshell, it must clearly and accurately convey the key points made in the paper.
Structure of an Abstract
While there is no universally accepted format for writing an abstract, they typically follow some basic structural guidelines:
Introduction or Background: Introduce the research topic and provide background context, briefly stating the problem or issue being addressed in the paper without going into too much detail.
Purpose/Objectives: Clearly state the overall aim, scope, or purpose of the research and the specific research questions or hypotheses being investigated.
Methods: Summarize the key elements of the methodology used for conducting research. Describe the main methods and procedures used for collecting and analyzing data, including the sample size and research design.
Results: State the major findings of the research by highlighting trends and patterns discovered from analysis of the data without including actual statistics or numbers. Do not include any explanatory or interpretative statements here.
Conclusions: Summarize the main conclusions drawn from the integration of results as they relate to the research problem or question. Indicate if findings lead to other questions or problems for future research. Do not include any new information not stated previously.
Keywords (optional): Include 3-5 relevant keywords that represent topics or content covered in the paper to aid electronic database retrieval of the document.
The goal of the abstract is to provide a focused, coherent, and coherent summary of the paper. It functions independently from the main paper and allows readers to determine if the full paper warrants further investigation. An abstract should remain objective and impartial, leaving out the author’s personal views or opinions. The use of first-person pronouns (“I”, “we”) is typically avoided as well. Since the abstract acts as a miniature representation of the actual paper, it must be an accurate reflection of the research without misrepresenting anything.
Some additional tips for writing an abstract:
Use active voice when possible for a more direct style
Avoid jargon, undefined abbreviations, or citations which require referring to the main text
Check that wording matches that used in the full paper and avoid introducing new concepts
Write clearly and concisely without flowery language while retaining readability
Proofread carefully for factual accuracy, consistency with the paper, coherence, mechanics and grammar
Format Guidelines
Regarding format, research abstracts generally adhere to the following standards:
Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, size 12
Line Spacing: Double-spaced throughout
Margins: Standard 1 inch margins on all sides
Structure: One paragraph only, no indentations or headings
Word Count: Between 150-250 words, depending on discipline
Language: Written in the past tense to describe completed research. May be present tense if results have ongoing relevance.
Placement: Centered “Abstract” at top of page, your name and paper title centered below abstract text
Page Numbering: Number abstract page separately from main paper (if numbered at all)
The formatting guidelines ensure consistency and legibility for readers. While some variance is allowed based on publisher requirements, maintaining the general structure and format will help clarify the abstract’s purpose and content. Submitting a properly formatted abstract demonstrates organization and good research practice.
Additional Tips
In terms of writing style, use simple, declarative sentences when possible. Avoid wordiness by tightly editing for concision while retaining clarity. Check that terminology aligns with word choices in the full paper. Remove phrases like “this study examines…” or “the author investigates…” which waste valuable real estate. Focus on summarizing what was done and the major outcomes as concisely as possible given the limited length.
Proofreading is crucial since errors undermine credibility. Have others proofread as well to catch oversights. Check that the abstract accurately reflects the paper’s contents without misleading the reader about its aims, methods, or conclusions. Be true to the research actually performed and reported. Abstracts must provide an impartial, objective overview so readers know if diving into the full paper is worthwhile. Following consistent structural and formatting guidelines helps achieve this goal.