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  • Evan John Evan John
  • 13 min read

How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper

Writing an abstract is one of the most vital parts of your research papers. It not only guides the readers about the purpose of the research but helps them to decide whether it is viable to read your research paper or not. The abstract is a shorter version of your research paper which generally constitutes 200-300 words. Mention the key arguments and methodologies in abstracts to facilitate the readers. It helps to make out the relevance of your research for them. If you see it from the reader’s perspective, you can understand the importance of abstract for readers to identify relevant research works among overwhelming options. We will look on how to write an abstract for a research paper.

research paper

How Long Should be an Abstract

The length of an abstract varies depending on the specific guidelines of the journal or conference, as well as the type of research being reported. However, in general, an abstract should be brief and concise, usually ranging from 150 to 300 words.

For some journals, the maximum length of an abstract may be limited to 150 or 200 words, while others may allow for abstracts of up to 350 or 400 words. It is important to check the specific guidelines of the journal or conference you are submitting to, as they will provide information on the preferred length and format of the abstract.

In general, it is important to make the most of the space available and to include only the most essential information in the abstract. This means being concise and avoiding lengthy background information or unnecessary details. The goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of the research and its main findings, conclusions, and implications.

Importance of Abstract in Research Writing

The abstract is an important component of a research paper or presentation. It provides a brief overview of the main findings, conclusions, and implications of the study, and is often the first part of the paper that is read by others. Here are a few reasons why the abstract is important:

  1. Quick Overview: An abstract provides a quick summary of the main points of the research paper. It gives the reader a general idea of the content, purpose, and results of the study without having to read the entire paper.
  2. Accessibility: The abstract is often published in academic journals and databases, making it easier for others to find and access the study. This helps to increase the visibility and impact of the research.
  3. Decision Making: Researchers, scholars, and other professionals use abstracts to make decisions about which articles to read and cite. The abstract helps them determine if the research is relevant to their work and if the study provides new information or insights.
  4. Time-Saving: Reading an abstract saves time compared to reading the full text of a research paper. This is especially important for researchers who are reading many articles in a short period of time.
  5. Assessment: The abstract is used to assess the quality of the research and to make decisions about funding, publication, and further research.

The abstract is an essential component of a research paper or presentation and plays an important role in communicating the findings, conclusions, and implications of the study. It should be written in clear, concise language and should accurately and effectively summarize the key points of the paper.

Components of an Abstract

Most of the time, professors will provide you with the format for writing the abstract.They also give guidelines on how to cite an abstract APA. If you are about to write an abstract. To create a comprehensive abstract, it is crucial to include specific components that capture the essence of your research. You need to consider the below components to bring effectiveness to it.

Title and Author Information:Begin your abstract by stating the title of your research paper and providing the necessary author information. This allows readers to identify the paper and its authors easily.

Background and Context:Provide a concise background and context for your research. Explain the problem or topic you are addressing and why it is significant. This section should grab the reader’s attention and make them understand the relevance of your study.

Objective or Research Question:Clearly state the objective of your research or the research question you aim to answer. This helps readers understand the purpose of your study and what you set out to achieve. Include the question or the problem that you want to address in your research.

Methodology:Briefly describe the methodology or approach you used to conduct your research. Mention the key methods, techniques, or tools employed. However, avoid excessive technical details.

Results and Findings:Highlight the key results and findings of your study.Summarize the most important outcomes and discoveries, emphasizing their significance and relevance. Mention the available information and finding concerning the research topic. Highlight the main arguments, findings, and facts of your research

Conclusion and Implications:Conclude your abstract by summarizing the main conclusion drawn from your research. State the implications and potential impact of your findings. This section should leave readers with a sense of the overall contribution your research makes to the field.

Tips for Writing an Effective Abstract

To make your abstract stand out and effectively communicate your research, consider the following tips:

Keep it Concise and Clear:An abstract should be concise, usually ranging between 150 to 250 words. Avoid unnecessary details or jargon. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your message.

Focus on Key Points:Identify the most crucial aspects of your research and emphasize them.Focus on Key Points Identify the most crucial aspects of your research and emphasize them in your abstract. Focus on the main findings, the significance of your study, and any unique or innovative aspects. By highlighting these key points, you will capture the attention of readers and provide them with a clear understanding of your research’s value.

Use Appropriate Keywords:Incorporate relevant keywords in your abstract to enhance its search engine optimization (SEO). Think about the terms or phrases that researchers or scholars in your field would use when searching for papers on a similar topic. Including these keywords will increase the visibility of your abstract and attract a wider audience.

Provide a Summary of Results:Ensure that your abstract includes a concise summary of your research results. Highlight the most significant findings and their implications. This will give readers a glimpse into the outcomes of your study and generate interest in reading the full paper.

Follow the Required Format:Check the specific guidelines or requirements provided by the journal or conference where you plan to submit your research paper. Adhere to their formatting instructions for abstracts. Pay attention to word limits, font size, and any other specifications. Following the required format demonstrates professionalism and increases the chances of your abstract being accepted.

The Best Time to Write Abstract

Whether you are writing a research paper, thesis, dissertation, or academic article, you need to provide abstracts for them. The abstract is the last thing that you write in your research paper.

Many students often prefer to write the abstract before starting the main body, but this can result in problems in the later stages. It is not wise to write an abstract for something which does not exist yet. It can also result in missing vital components of an abstract, taking the interpretation to the other level.

Some tips for creating meaningful abstracts for academic writings

  • Choose whether you want to write a descriptive abstract or an informative abstract. The key difference among both these styles is the length and information you need to include.
  • Check out the guidelines provided by your professors before writing the abstract. If there are no guidelines, it is better to check and take ideas from similar researches already published.
  • Keep in mind the target audience or readers for your research paper while drafting the abstract for it.
  • Do not include any irrelevant or out-of-context information while writing an abstract.
  • Make sure to include the relevant keywords so that it is easy for the readers to search your research from overwhelming databases.
  • Do not forget to use abstracts in a sentence describing the purpose, methodologies, and significance of the research.
  • Include a brief explanation about the problem on which your research focus.
  • Do the intense revision about the grammar, structure, and spelling errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To write an effective abstract, be mindful of the following common mistakes:

  • Including excessive technical details: Remember that an abstract should provide a high-level overview, not delve into intricate technicalities.
  • Using vague language: Be specific and precise in your wording to clearly communicate the key points of your research.
  • Omitting important information: Ensure that your abstract covers all essential components, such as the objective, methodology, results, and conclusion.
  • Writing an excessively long abstract: Stick to the recommended word limit and keep your abstract concise and focused.

Steps of Writing an Abstract

Here are the general steps for writing an abstract:

  1. Read the paper: To write an abstract, you must first read the paper or study that you are summarizing. This will give you a good understanding of the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the research.
  2. Identify the key elements: Identify the key elements of the research that you want to include in the abstract. This should include the purpose of the research, the methods used, the results, and the conclusions.
  3. Determine the appropriate length: Determine the appropriate length of the abstract based on the requirements of the journal or conference. Typically, abstracts range from 150-250 words.
  4. Write a draft: Write a draft of the abstract that includes all of the key elements in a concise and clear manner. It should provide a brief overview of the study or research.
  5. Use active voice and present tense: Use active voice and present tense when writing the abstract. This will help to convey the sense of immediacy and relevance of the research.
  6. Revise and edit: Revise and edit the abstract, making sure that it is clear, concise, and well-written. Check for any errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
  7. Include keywords: Include keywords in the abstract that will help researchers find the article or study in literature searches.
  8. Follow guidelines: Follow any specific guidelines provided by the journal or conference for formatting, length, or other requirements.

By following these steps, you can create a well-written abstract that accurately summarizes your research and captures the attention of your intended audience.

How to write an Abstract for a research paper MLA

MLA style does not typically require an abstract for research papers, but some instructors may require one. If you are required to write an abstract for an MLA-style research paper, here are some general guidelines to follow:

  1. Begin with a new page: On a new page, write the word “Abstract” in bold and centered at the top of the page.
  2. Limit the length: The length of the abstract will vary depending on your instructor’s requirements. However, a good rule of thumb is to keep it between 100-250 words.
  3. Write a concise summary: Write a concise summary of your research, including the purpose, methodology, findings, and implications. Avoid using direct quotations or citations within the abstract.
  4. Use keywords: Include 3-5 keywords related to your research at the bottom of the abstract. These keywords will help other researchers find your article in literature searches.
  5. Use a structured format: In MLA style, there is no specific format for structuring an abstract. You can simply use a paragraph format to summarize your research.
  6. Proofread: Once you have completed your abstract, proofread it carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Here is an example of an Abstract in MLA format

Abstract

This study examines the impact of online learning on student achievement in undergraduate courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 300 undergraduate students enrolled in courses during the fall 2020 semester was selected. Data was collected on their academic performance in both online and face-to-face courses. The results show that students who took online courses performed similarly to those who took face-to-face courses. The findings suggest that online learning can be an effective alternative to face-to-face instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: online learning, student achievement, COVID-19, undergraduate courses

Remember to check with your instructor for any specific guidelines for writing an abstract in MLA format.

Read more on How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper

How do you write an Abstract in APA 7th edition?

Writing an abstract in APA 7th edition is similar to the previous edition, with some minor changes to the format. Here are the steps to follow to write an abstract in APA 7th edition:

  1. Begin with a new page: On a new page, write the word “Abstract” in bold and centered at the top of the page.
  2. Limit the length: According to APA 7th edition, the abstract should be limited to 250 words or less. This includes all content within the abstract, including the title.
  3. Write a concise summary: Write a concise summary of your research, including the purpose, methodology, findings, and implications. Avoid using direct quotations or citations within the abstract.
  4. Use keywords: Include 3-5 keywords related to your research at the bottom of the abstract. These keywords will help other researchers find your article in literature searches.
  5. Use a structured format: In APA 7th edition, the structured abstract is preferred, which means you should use subheadings to organize the information. These subheadings are “Background,” “Objective,” “Methods,” “Results,” and “Conclusions.”
  6. Proofread: Once you have completed your abstract, proofread it carefully for any spelling or grammatical errors.

Here is an Example of an Abstract in APA 7th Edition Format

Abstract

Background: This study examines the impact of online learning on student achievement in undergraduate courses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: The objective of the study is to compare the academic performance of students enrolled in online courses versus face-to-face courses.

Methods: A sample of 300 undergraduate students enrolled in courses during the fall 2020 semester was selected. Data was collected on their academic performance in both online and face-to-face courses.

Results: The results show that students who took online courses performed similarly to those who took face-to-face courses.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that online learning can be an effective alternative to face-to-face instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: online learning, student achievement, COVID-19, undergraduate courses

Final Thought

Writing an abstract for a research paper is an important step in the research process. An effective abstract should summarize the main findings, conclusions, and implications of the study in a clear, concise, and informative manner. To write a successful abstract, it is important to understand the purpose and audience of the abstract, as well as the structure and content that is typically included. By following the best practices and guidelines for writing an abstract, you can increase the visibility and impact of your research and communicate your findings effectively to a wider audience.

We hope that now you understand the importance and process of writing an abstract for your research paper. If you want to take research paper writing help to complete your assignments or expert services to write abstracts, you can buy essay from us. Need to only tell us “write my research paper” and we will provide excellent paper.

 

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