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Abstract

An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference


proceeding or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject and is often used to help the
reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose.

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:

a. The research focus (i.e. statement of the problem(s)/research issue(s) addressed);


b. The research methods used (experimental research, case studies, questionnaires,
etc.); i.e. concisely describe the methodology or method employed in gathering
the data, processing, and analysis
c. The results/findings of the research; and
d. The main conclusions and recommendations

In some academic institutions or scientific journals, however, recommendations are not


incorporated in the abstract. That is because anyone can make recommendations based
on the conclusion/s of the study.

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 informative abstract, also known as the complete abstract, is a compendious


summary of a paper's substance including its background, purpose, methodology,
results, and conclusion. Usually between 150 and 250 words, the informative abstract
summarizes the paper's structure, its major topics and key points. A format for scientific
short reports that is similar to an informative abstract has been proposed in recent
years. Informative abstracts may be viewed as standalone documents.
Descriptive

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.

Tense of the Abstract

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.

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