An abstract in research papers is a keyword-rich summary usually not exceeding 200-350 words. It can be considered the “face” of research papers because it creates an initial impression on the readers. While searching databases (such as PubMed) for research papers, a title is usually the first selection criterion for readers. If the title matches their search criteria, then the readers read the abstract, which sets the tone of the paper. Titles and abstracts are often the only freely available parts of research papers on journal websites. The pdf versions of full articles need to be purchased. Journal reviewers are often provided with only the title and abstract before they agree to review the complete paper.
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Abstracts in research papers provide readers with a quick insight into what the paper is about to help them decide whether they want to read it further or not. Abstracts are the main selling points of articles and therefore should be carefully drafted, accurately highlighting the important aspects.
What is an Abstract?
An abstract in research papers can be defined as a synopsis of the paper. It should be clear, direct, self-contained, specific, unbiased, and concise. These summaries are published along with the complete research paper and are also submitted to conferences for consideration for presentation.
Abstracts are of four types and journals can follow any of these formats: [2]
- Structured
- Unstructured
- Descriptive
- Informative
Structured vs. Unstructured Abstracts
| Feature | Structured Abstracts | Unstructured Abstracts |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Divided into clear sections with headings | Written as a single paragraph without headings |
| Common Sections | Introduction, Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusion | No fixed sections, follows a narrative style |
| Usage | Used in medical, scientific, and technical journals | Common in social sciences, humanities, and theoretical papers |
| Clarity | Highly organized and easy to navigate | More flexible but may lack clear structure |
| Guidelines | Often follows specific journal or reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT for clinical trials) | Less likely to follow strict formatting rules |
| Preferred For | Empirical studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews | Opinion pieces, theoretical discussions, literature reviews |
| Word Limit | Typically longer due to detailed sections | Usually shorter and more concise |
Purpose of Abstracts in Research
Abstracts in research have two main purposes—selection and indexing.
- Selection: Abstracts allow interested readers to quickly decide the relevance of a paper to gauge if they should read it completely.
- Indexing: Most academic journal databases accessed through libraries enable you to search abstracts, allowing for quick retrieval of relevant articles and avoiding unnecessary search results. Therefore, abstracts must necessarily include the keywords that researchers may use to search for articles.
Contents of Abstracts in Research
Abstracts in research papers summarize the main points of an article and are broadly categorized into four or five sections. Details on how to write an abstract.
Introduction/Background and/or Objectives
Section should provide the following information:
- What is already known about the subject?
- What is not known about the subject or what does the study aim to investigate?
The hypothesis or research question and objectives should be mentioned here. The Background sets the context for the rest of the paper and its length should be short so that the word count could be saved for the Results or other information directly pertaining to the study. The objective should be written in present or past simple tense.
Design, Setting, and Participants (or Materials and Methods)
This section should provide information on the processes used and should be written in past simple tense because the process is already completed.
Few important questions to be answered include:
- What was the research design and setting?
- What was the sample size and how were the participants sampled?
- What treatments did the participants receive?
- What were the data collection and data analysis dates?
- What was the primary outcome measure?
How to Write an Abstract? (Step-by-Step Process)
Steps on how to write an abstract in research papers:
- Write the abstract after you’ve finished writing your paper.
- Select the major objectives/hypotheses and conclusions from your Introduction and Conclusion sections.
- Select key sentences from your Methods section.
- Identify the major results from the Results section.
- Paraphrase or re-write the sentences selected in steps 2, 3, and 4 in your own words into one or two paragraphs in the following sequence: Introduction/Objective, Methods, Results, and Conclusions. The headings may differ among journals, but the content remains the same.
- Ensure that this draft does not contain:
a. new information that is not present in the paper
b. undefined abbreviations
c. a discussion of previous literature or reference citations
d. unnecessary details about the methods used - Remove all extra information and connect your sentences to ensure that the information flows well, preferably in the following order: purpose; basic study design, methodology and techniques used; major findings; summary of your interpretations, conclusions, and implications. Use section headings for structured abstracts.
- Ensure consistency between the information presented in the abstract and the paper.
- Check to see if the final abstract meets the guidelines of the target journal (word limit, type of abstract, recommended subheadings, etc.) and if all the required information has been included.
FAQs
1. What is a research paper abstract?
Research paper abstract is a brief summary of your study, highlighting key points like the objective, methods, results, and conclusion.
2. How long should a research paper abstract be?
Most abstracts range from 150 to 250 words, depending on journal guidelines.
3. What are the types of research paper abstracts?
Two main types:
- Structured abstracts (with headings like Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion).
- Unstructured abstracts (written in a single paragraph without headings).
4. What should be included in a research paper abstract?
Include the purpose, methods, key findings, and conclusion of your study.
5. How do I write an effective research abstract?
Keep it clear, concise, and informative. Focus on key points and avoid unnecessary details.
6. Can an abstract contain references?
Generally, abstracts do not include citations unless required by a specific journal.
7. Where does the abstract go in a research paper?
The abstract appears before the introduction, usually on its own page.
8. Why is a research abstract important?
It summarizes your study and helps readers decide whether to read the full paper.
9. How do I make my abstract SEO-friendly?
Use relevant keywords from your research topic and keep it engaging yet informative.
10. Can AI help write research abstracts?
Yes! AI tools can help summarize research effectively, but always review for accuracy.
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