Not everything is difficult if you know what exactly you have to do. This may not be true in all aspects of life, but can definitely help in academic perspective.
You know the writing process of a research paper if you are a college pupil. But when your professor asks you to craft the summary of your study you may wonder what things to prioritize and what not to. Research papers are lengthy containing too much information. Compressing more than 2000 words to less than 300 words can be very confusing. Hence, it will be very easy if you know the basics of writing a research paper abstract.
Significance of a Good Research Abstract
A research abstract is the recapitulation of the research paper that communicates the entire content in a single long paragraph. It is very much essential when publishing a journal. But in academic terms, it is required to write only when your professor or instructor asks you to. A good abstract will act as a hook to attract your readers. Therefore, you have to try to cover most of the information to support your defense.
Reading the research abstract, the readers get an idea of the value of the research paper, whether it’s worth reading or not. They intend to find new information and figure out how it will contribute to relevant studies in the future. On the other hand, if you are keen to publish a paper, then editors and reviewers will evaluate your abstract and then decide to shortlist your paper.
Components of a Research Paper Abstract
Research abstracts are usually written in a particular order to maintain a coherent structure.
Introduction
Abstract writing begins by introducing the research paper. It provides an overview and the significance of the study. The first few lines are meant to persuade the readers to continue reading further.
Addressing the research issue
Next, it will transition to determine the research problem. The research question is to be explained by elaborating the scope of the main points of arguments, followed by a concise description of the objective and the study claims.
Methodology used
In a research paper, there are arguments that are supported by pertinent evidence. But how did you use them in your study? Get a sample from the best custom paper writing service or other educational platforms to understand it much better. Exactly what you have to mention here – the research method, models and theories, experiments and facts, and illustrations (in the case of non-technical research papers).
Key findings
Describe the key findings in no more than 3 lines. Measure your derived result in quantifiable numbers. It is simply the answer to the research question. Suppose you feel there should be more to deduce or if you feel dissatisfied while writing this part, then the truth is that your research paper is not yet ready to be presented.
Implications
Coming to the conclusion, you have to state the innuendos and limitations of the study. You have to provoke the readers to take further action. This can be done by highlighting the effects in a broader reach and stating the types of research other researchers can do on similar problems. In short, you can mention the study gaps in your research, if any.
Different Types of Abstract Writing
In general, there are four types of research abstracts, namely –
- Critical abstract: The researcher places a judgment about the validity and credibility of the study where he compares his own work with other studies that are based on similar topics.
- Descriptive abstract: There is no new information provided in this type of abstract rather than giving an outline of the original research paper. It follows the same writing structure as mentioned in the above section.
- Informative abstract: As the name itself suggests, it is a bit more informative than the descriptive abstract. Here too no new discoveries are presented, instead, the main points are discussed in a more elongated way. To learn the difference between the two, ask PenMyEssays experts.
- Highlight abstract: This is seen to be used the least as it does not screen the entire research paper. Rather, it just highlights some of the aspects of research. The motive for this incompleteness is to induce interest in the readers’ minds.
Basic Research Abstract Requirements
There is more to know in research abstract writing which is compiled concisely below –
- Some publications will ask you to format your abstract. This means that they follow a specific citing style which is one of their compulsive requirements. The most common of all writing styles are – APA, MLA, and Chicago.
- Since the length of the abstract is very short, divide the individual length of the components of the abstract for ease. Make sure that the introduction and research problem combined and the methods used consume about 25% of the abstract each. The results section should take 35%, and the rest 15% should be used for the implications.
- Revise and edit your abstract paper for any kind of error. It will be better if you take the help of your peers. A fresh pair of eyes can provide fresh insights that can value up your paper.
Whatever the purpose of your writing, be it for academic assignments or publishing, you must use keywords specific to the search engine. That means if anybody searches for a topic in the journal database, your paper should pop up right away. If you seek an essay to buy from a professional, ask them about this requirement. Learn about it thoroughly.