Writing an Abstract
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An abstract is an overview of the paper. Mostly it is developed at the end because it is only at the end that the writers are able to form a comprehensive picture of their entire writing. Generally, an abstract is written in the present tense rather than the past or the future. Regarding the length, an abstract of a conference proposal is limited to 50-75 words and 150-200 words for an article abstract. |
Basically, an abstract is expected to address the following questions:
- What problem or research question does the work address? What is its objective?
- What methodology does the study follow?
- What major argument does the work make?
- What finding/conclusion does it arrive at?
- What significance and implication does the work have?
Regarding the structure of an abstract, sources also recommend IMRAD format which includes the essence of the following section of the work.
I-Introduction
M-Method
R-Result
A-Analysis
D-Discussion
Introduction – Make a case for your research
The introduction explains why this research is important or necessary or important. Begin by describing the problem or situation that motivates the research. Move to discussing the current state of research in the field; then reveal a “gap” or problem in the field. Finally, explain how the present research is a solution to that problem or gap. If the study has hypotheses, they are presented at the end of the introduction.
Methods – What did you do?
The methods section tells readers how you conducted your study. It includes information about your population, sample, methods, and equipment. The “gold standard” of the methods section is that it should enable readers to duplicate your study. Methods sections typically use subheadings; they are written in past tense, and they use a lot of passive voice. This is typically the least read section of an IMRaD report.
Results – What did you find?
In this section, you present your findings. Typically, the Results section contains only the findings, not any explanation of or commentary on the findings (see below). Results sections are usually written in the past tense. Make sure all tables and figures are labeled and numbered separately. Captions go above tables and beneath figures.
Discussion – What does it mean?
In this section, you summarize your main findings, comment on those findings (see below), and connect them to other research. You also discuss limitations of your study, and use these limitations as reasons to suggest additional, future research.
(Source: Writing Center.gmu.edu)
A Sample of an IMRAD Abstract:
Introduction This paper analyzes how novices and experts can safely adapt and transfer their skills to new technology in the medical domain.
Methods To answer this question, we compared the performance of 12 novices (medical students) with the performance of 12 laparoscopic surgeons (using a 2D view) and 4 robotic surgeons, using a new robotic system that allows 2D and 3D view.
Results Our results showed a trivial effect of expertise (surgeons generally performed better than novices). Results also revealed that experts have adaptive transfer capacities and are able to transfer their skills independently of the human-machine system. However, the expert’s performance may be disturbed by changes in their usual environment.
Discussion From a safety perspective, this study emphasizes the need to take into account the impact of these environmental changes along with the expert’s adaptive capacities.
(Source: Writing Center.gmu.edu)
