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The information provided in the abstract must be sufficient to help the researcher
decide whether the work is relevant to his interest or not. It should be brief but not
lacking in important elements necessary for understanding of the research conducted.
The abstract will also help the researcher decide whether to read the research paper in
its entirety or not.
An academic abstract typically outlines four elements relevant to the completed work:
The conclusion, in particular, should be given attention in writing the abstract. The
conclusion should be well supported by the findings of the investigation; not a
sweeping statement without any valid argument based on the findings to back it up.
This is what really matters to the researcher trying to find gaps in knowledge that he
can fill in.
Abstract types
Informative
The descriptive abstract, also known as the limited abstract or the indicative abstract,
provides a description of what the paper covers without delving into its substance. A
descriptive abstract is similar to a table of contents in paragraph form.
The abstract should be written in the past tense because the investigation has
transpired. However, statement of facts in, say, the results and discussion and the
conclusion, must be in the present tense.
Finally, the references (e.g. name of author and date) should not be cited in the abstract
unless the research paper involves an improvement or modification of a previously
published method used by a researcher.
Number of Words
Normally, abstracts should not exceed 250 words but this number could vary
depending on the prescribed number of words, say, when you would like to submit
your research paper to a popular scientific journal. Conciseness is emphasized.
The limited number of words required for the abstract means that every word included
in the abstract is necessary and that this should be presented in a rational manner.
Important information should fit into one paragraph so this requires a little bit of
thinking challenge and practice to the beginning researcher.