Writing an abstract for a journal or presentation? The final draft should be one continuous paragraph that addresses the following questions:
- What is the central research question/purpose of the research?
- What is the relevant context for this research? Why is it necessary or important?
- What are the key terms for the study that may require definition?
- What is the research methodology being used for this project? What are the important details of the protocol that can help the audience understand the scope of the project?
- What are the results of the project, either final or anticipated?
- What are the overall implications or conclusions of this study? The real-world significance? Why should we care?
Abstract Tips
- Stick to the word limit (usually 250-300 words).
- Include the central research question/purpose of the research and its context.
- Include the research methodology being used in the project (how is the question being answered?).
- Include conclusions, either final or anticipated (what have been the most significant findings thus far?).
- Include the implications of the research (i.e. interpret your results for a broader audience. What do they mean? How do they impact larger issues? Why are they significant and meaningful?).
- Consider your audience and use language appropriate to that audience (define terms for a general audience and use appropriate technical terms for a specialized audience).
- Use brief, concise, and specific language. Use active verbs when possible and avoid using first person (i.e. “I”).
- Put your abstract through at least three revisions.
- Get feedback from your research mentor and/or other people in your field.
- Attend one of the OUR’s abstract writing workshops and/or bring your abstract to the Writing Center