When writing a research paper for school, you may have noted that an abstract is a very important part of the research paper writing process. The abstract is the first section of your paper that is read by a potential reader and it provides them with a summary of what you have written. Because of its importance, it is important to make sure that your abstract is well written.
An effective way to write an abstract for your research paper is to ensure that it includes the following elements: the problem, the purpose of the study, the methods used, the results, and the conclusion. You should also make sure to keep your abstract concise and to the point. Remember that you only have limited space in which to summarize your paper, so be sure to include only the most important information.
When writing a research paper, be sure to consult with your instructor regarding the length and content of your abstract.
What is an abstract in a research paper?
An abstract is a summary of a research paper. It typically contains between 75 and 250 words, and it summarizes the main points of the paper. An abstract is meant to provide a reader with a quick overview of the paper, so they can decide whether or not to read it in full. It should be clear, concise, and informative.
What is the purpose of an abstract in research writing?
The purpose of an abstract is to provide a concise overview of the paper’s contents so that readers can decide whether or not to read it in full. It also helps researchers determine whether a particular paper is relevant to their work. An abstract should be clear and concise, and it should be a summary of the paper’s main points.
An abstract is typically included at the beginning of a research paper, before the main body of the text. It generally provides an overview of the research that has been conducted on a particular topic, and it includes a summary of the main points of the paper.
Types of abstracts
There are three types of abstracts: descriptive, informative, and persuasive.
- Descriptive abstracts provide a summary of the paper’s contents.
- Informative abstracts include additional information about the study, such as the purpose of the study and the methods used.
- Persuasive abstracts are used to sell readers on the merits of a paper, and they typically emphasize the importance of the research and the significance of the findings.
How to write an abstract for a research paper
When writing an abstract for a research paper, keep in mind that you should still include some basic information about your topic. This includes the problem that you are investigating, the methods you used to conduct your research, and the findings of your study. Be sure to highlight the most important points of your research, and don’t forget to mention the conclusions that you drew from your data.
Here are 10 steps on how to write a research paper abstract effectively:
1. Purpose and findings of your study
You should state the purpose of your study in the first sentence. For example, if you were investigating the effect of a new teaching method on student achievement, you would write “The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a new teaching method on student achievement.”
In the following sentences, you should summarize the main findings of your study. For example, if you found that the new teaching method had a positive effect on student achievement, you would write “The results of this study showed that the new teaching method had a positive effect on student achievement.”
2. Abstract should be clear and concise.
An abstract is a summary of your paper. It should be clear and concise, and it should be written in the third person. For example, you would not write “I found that the new teaching method had a positive effect on student achievement.” Instead, you would write “The study found that the new teaching method had a positive effect on student achievement.”
3. Avoid unnecessary details.
Your abstract should be brief and to the point. It should not include any unnecessary details. For example, you would not need to include a detailed description of the new teaching method in your abstract.
4. 75-200 words in length.
An abstract should be around 75-250 words in length. Any longer and a research study abstract will start to lose its impact.
5. Use keywords.
When writing an abstract, you should use keywords that will help other researchers find your paper. For example, if you were investigating the effect of a new teaching method on student achievement, you would use keywords such as “teaching methods,” “student achievement,” and “education.”
5. Summarize research methods.
An abstract should include information about the methods you used in your research. This will help other researchers understand how you conducted your study. For example, you would need to include information such as the type of study design you used and the population you studied.
6. Discuss the significance of your findings.
An abstract should discuss the significance of your findings. This will help other researchers understand the importance of your study. For example, if you found that the new teaching method had a positive effect on student achievement, you would write “This study provides evidence that the new teaching method is effective and can be used to improve student achievement.”
7. Include a brief conclusion.
Your abstract should include a brief conclusion that summarizes your main findings. For example, you would write “This study provides evidence that the new teaching method is effective and can be used to improve student achievement.”
8. Reference sources.
If you used any sources in your research, you should reference them in your abstract. This will show other researchers that you have conducted a thorough and rigorous study.
9. Proofread and editing
Your abstract should be free of grammar and spelling errors. This will show other researchers that you have written a well-crafted and professional paper.
10. Follow instructor guidelines
Be sure to follow any specific guidelines for abstracts set by your instructor or publisher. For example, some instructors or publishers may require that you use a certain format or include certain information in your abstract.
By following these tips, you can write an effective abstract for your research paper. Just remember to keep it clear, concise, and informative.
General research paper abstract writing tips
In most cases, an abstract is the first thing that your instructor will read when assigning a research paper. Therefore, you must take the time to write a well-crafted and insightful abstract that accurately reflects the key points of your research.
Here are some tips to help you write an effective abstract for a research paper:
- Keep it short and sweet: An abstract should be between 150-250 words, so make sure to get to the point quickly and concisely.
- Start with a strong opening sentence: Your opening sentence should be attention-grabbing and make it clear what your paper is about.
- Clearly state your main argument: The body of your abstract should summarise the main argument of your paper. make sure to include key points and evidence to support your argument.
- Close with a brief conclusion: End your abstract with a short conclusion that briefly restates your main argument and highlights the implications of your findings.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your abstract is well-written and effective in conveying the key points of your research paper.
What to write in a research paper abstract
A good abstract should include 4 components: the problem, the purpose of the study, the methods used, the results, and the conclusion
- Problem statement: The problem is what the study is investigating.
- Purpose of the study: The purpose of the study is what the researchers were trying to accomplish with their work.
- Methods: The methods section should describe how the study was conducted.
- Results: The results section should summarize the findings of the study.
- Conclusion: The conclusion section should state what the findings of the study mean for further research and/or practice.
Research Paper Abstract Examples
Here are some sample abstracts for research paper in pdf format. (.pdf). These are free to download and use for your studies.
Sample Engineering Research Paper Abstract
Example History-Social Science Research Paper Abstract
An Example Of A Well-Structured Abstract
Below are some examples of research paper abstracts for short research papers for college students:
Research paper abstract example 1:
Topic: The effects of climate change on plant life
Climate change has been a hot topic in the news lately, and for good reason. The potential consequences of climate change are wide-reaching and far-reaching, affecting everything from human populations to animal populations to plant life. One aspect of climate change that has received a lot of attention in recent years is its effect on plant life. In particular, scientists have been keen to understand how climate change will affect the distribution and abundance of different types of plants. This research paper seeks to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on this topic.
Research paper abstract example 2:
Topic: The impact of deforestation on plant life
Deforestation is one of the most pressing environmental issues facing the world today. It is estimated that every year, 13 million hectares of forest are lost, equating to around 18% of the world’s forest cover. Deforestation has a range of negative consequences for the environment, including the loss of habitat for animals and plants, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. One area that has received relatively little attention is the impact of deforestation on plant life. This research paper seeks to address this gap in knowledge by exploring the impact of deforestation on different types of plants.
Research paper abstract example 3:
Topic: The role of plants in mitigating climate change
Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today. It is estimated that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at their current rate, the average global temperature could increase by up to 4°C by the end of this century. This would have a devastating impact on the planet, causing widespread flooding, droughts, and heatwaves. One way of mitigating the effects of climate change is through carbon sequestration, which is the process of storing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Plants play an important role in carbon sequestration, as they can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their tissues. This research paper explores the role of plants in mitigating climate change and the potential for using plants to offset emissions.
Research paper abstract example 4:
Topic: The Effect of Birth Order on Intelligence
This study examines the effect of birth order on intelligence, using a sample of siblings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The results suggest that first-born children are more likely to be smarter than their siblings and that this effect is more pronounced for boys than for girls. The findings have implications for our understanding of the role of family structure in shaping intelligence.
Research paper abstract example 5:
Topic: The Relationship between Narcissism and Social Media Use
This study examines the relationship between narcissism and social media use, using data from a sample of young adults. The results suggest that narcissists are more likely to use social media excessively and that this excessive use is associated with negative outcomes such as poorer mental health and lower life satisfaction. The findings have implications for our understanding of the role of social media in the development and maintenance of narcissism.
Research paper abstract example 6:
Topic: The Relationship between Sleep and Academic Performance
This study examines the relationship between sleep and academic performance, using a sample of college students. The results suggest that students who get less sleep are more likely to have lower grades and that this effect is stronger for students in higher-level courses. The findings have implications for our understanding of the importance of sleep for academic success.
Research paper abstract example 7:
Topic: Birth Order, Family Structure, and Intelligence
This study examines the relationship between birth order, family structure, and intelligence, using a sample of siblings from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The results suggest that first-born children are more likely to be smarter than their siblings and that this effect is more pronounced for boys than for girls. The findings also suggest that children who grow up in families with a single parent are less likely to be smart than children who grow up in families with two parents. These findings have implications for our understanding of the role of family structure in shaping intelligence.
References
- How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or … – NCBI
- Writing an abstract – University of Melbourne
- The Writing Center | Writing an Abstract | Guides
- How to Write a Scientific Abstract for Your Research Article
- Effective Research Abstract Examples
- How to Write an Abstract – Germanna.edu
- SIX SAMPLE ABSTRACTS (Previous Participants) Researcher
- Abstracts – The Writing Center • University of North Carolina
- Writing an abstract – ANU
- Writing an Abstract – The University of Adelaide