In this article we will tell you how to write a research paper abstract, which is the first element of a scientific paper to be presented to its readers. So you should begin it with a brief description of your purposes and findings and summarize the context of your paper in this introductory part. Stay with us and you’ll learn more about that.

What is Abstract in Research Paper

So, what is an abstract for a research paper? This part briefly explains the following:

• purpose of the research
• context of the problem
• what kind of research was conducted
• what academic sources were used.

Abstract is the first section of a paper. It helps readers to understand what is inside.

Types of Abstract

There are three types of abstract for research paper:

1. Descriptive: main focus is on the research activities that were conducted
2. Informative: problem statement, researcher’s hypothesis and conclusions are provided. Focus is on the results.
3. Critical: shows flaws of a statement the researcher aims to debunk based on existing information.

What Goes in the Abstract of a Research Paper

This is what should be included in an abstract for a research paper:

• purpose of the research
• problem statement and its background, described briefly
• methods used to collect data to support author’s statement
• list of literature used as sources for the research.

An abstract should be informative enough but very brief. Most details are to be provided later.

How do You Write an Abstract for a Research Paper

A good introduction requires a lot of preparation. If you want to know how to write an abstract, this is your first step: do some initial research on the problem and plan your further activities through. Then put the main points on the paper, one for each part of your plan. This will provide certain information about your work to your reader.

Below you can find more detailed guidelines on how to write an abstract for your paper.

How to Start an Abstract for a Research Paper

This is how to begin an abstract for a research paper:

1. Write your main statement, what you are trying to prove or disprove
2. Briefly explain what is specific about the problem, why it is important
3. Describe its context, give some details to your reader but not too many.

Example: “The vaping propagation among the population of Newtown city, NY, US results in  growing concern due to possible damage to public health. The purpose of the research is to understand the consequences of vaping propagation and to find the positive correlation between frequent vaping and health issues”

How to End an Abstract

This is how to conclude an abstract:

1. In the conclusion part list the result which are to be achieved and explain their importance
2. Describe what work is to be done, e.g. exploring sources, conducting interviews etc.

Example: “Medical statistics will be compared with vaping liquids sales data, with a breakdown on different social and age groups. A focus group of Newtown citizens would also be interviewed about their usage of vaping devices and their health problems. Positive (or negative) correlation between both trends is to be displayed, providing the ground for an assumption about the probability of vaping affecting (or not affecting) population’s health.”

How to Format an Abstract for a Research Paper

Proper formatting is the key to success. Let us explore a research paper abstract example (apa style). It should have:

• 1 paragraph only
• No indent
• A page break right after it.

Example:

‘The vaping propagation among the population of Newtown city, NY, US results in  growing concern due to possible damage to public health. The purpose of the research is to understand the consequences of vaping propagation and to find the positive correlation between frequent vaping and health issues. Medical statistics will be compared with vaping liquids sales data, with a breakdown on different social and age groups. A focus group of Newtown citizens would also be interviewed about their usage of vaping devices and their health problems. Positive (or negative) correlation between both trends is to be displayed, providing the ground for an assumption about the probability of vaping affecting (or not affecting) population’s health.’

These are the requirements for the MLA format:

• 5 to 7 sentences recommended
• Double-spaced with 1 inch margin to the top, bottom, left and right
• No acronyms to be left not spelled completely
• No citations

Example:

‘The vaping propagation among the population of Newtown city, NY, US results in  growing concern due to possible damage to public health. The purpose of the research is to understand the consequences of vaping propagation and to find the positive correlation between frequent vaping and health issues. Medical statistics will be compared with vaping liquids sales data, with a breakdown on different social and age groups.

A focus group of Newtown citizens would also be interviewed about their usage of vaping devices and their health problems. Positive (or negative) correlation between both trends is to be displayed, providing the ground for an assumption about the probability of vaping affecting (or not affecting) population’s health.’

And this is how to format it following the Chicago style:

• Should be less than one page
• Should come after the title and the copyright page, before the table of contents
• The heading at the top of the page should say ‘Abstract’ (in italics).

Example:

‘Abstract

The vaping propagation among the population of Newtown city, NY, US results in  growing concern due to possible damage to public health. The purpose of the research is to understand the consequences of vaping propagation and to find the positive correlation between frequent vaping and health issues. Medical statistics will be compared with vaping liquids sales data, with a breakdown on different social and age groups.

A focus group of Newtown citizens would also be interviewed about their usage of vaping devices and their health problems. Positive (or negative) correlation between both trends is to be displayed, providing the ground for an assumption about the probability of vaping affecting (or not affecting) population’s health.’

Last Thoughts on Writing an Abstract for a Research Paper

Congrats, you have learned the basics of writing a good abstract for research paper! Use these simple tips for completing the introductory part of your paper – and you will see how interested your readers will be to learn about your research and its outcomes. A good introduction captivates the audience and thus contributes a lot to the success of your work.

FAQ

1. Where is the abstract located in a research paper?

Abstract in a research paper should be put after the title page and the page of acknowledgements (or copyright page, depending on which style was used) and before the table of contents. Therefore it is usually situated on the page #3.

2. How long should an abstract be for a research paper?

Abstract for a research paper typically takes one paragraph, sometimes two but not more than that. The recommended number of words is usually up to 150 words in your abstract. Also it should not exceed 6 sentences. In general, your abstract should be informative but brief.

3. What makes a good abstract for a research paper?

A proper research paper abstract is expected to be short but at the same time provide all necessary details to introduce your audience into the research you have conducted and the problem you are exploring. Each sentence of your abstract should communicate one key point of your work.

4. What is the difference between an abstract and an introduction for research paper?

An abstract (research paper) is expected to be brief but very direct and impactful. It should highlight the key research activities that were conducted and communicate them to the reader.

An introduction (research paper) should be more detailed and summarize the reason behind the research, the goals which must be accomplished. It should also describe the paper hypothesis in detail.

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