Some have 3 elements- rationale/background, methodology, and results; while others have four or five that include objectives/questions, conclusion with implications.
Dear Manuel,
Components of the abstract of an article will depend on the guidelines specified by the journal you are publishing in.
More often than not, the components include Introduction (with study aim at the end), methodology, results/findings and discussion (with conclusion at the end).
Kind regards
Eric
Dear Manuel,
Components of the abstract of an article will depend on the guidelines specified by the journal you are publishing in.
More often than not, the components include Introduction (with study aim at the end), methodology, results/findings and discussion (with conclusion at the end).
Kind regards
Eric
Manuel - Eric is correct. Journals usually state their abstract guidelines in instructions to authors. If not - look at recent published copy and 'mimic' that abstract format.
Some journals specify a strict format, but most just give the desired length. Unless a format is provided, tell the goal of the study, a very brief description of the methods, some of the most important findings, and a hint of something from the discussion, such as recommendations provided by the authors. Do this in a way that fits the length goal specified by the journal.
Michael W. Marek great! You gave me a concise but substantial info. Thank you.
This really good question, some journals ask authors to follow journal’s procedures in writing it.
The best thing to be included in the abstract is the exposition of the main problem of the article. But not in all cases I am doing that personally.
Manuel Caingcoy, you have received some good advice up above. The only thing I can think to add is that it's often necessary to write many drafts of an abstract before it comes up to looking good.
So, having checked out what your target journal wants (e.g., a structured or unstructured abstract, and maximum number of words) and checking out what abstracts look like in that target journal, I recommend just starting to write the first draft of your own abstract in the knowledge that you'll probably massage it again and again - and again.
When you think it's exactly as you want it, put it on the back burner for a day or two, then come back to it and tweak it some more.
Robert Trevethan
Thanks Robert! You gave me very practical tips on how to prepare my abstract in a manner I want but in conformance to what is required.
Manuel Caingcoy - Some practical tips of do's and don'ts of an abstract: It is better to write the paper first and then write an abstract. Start with introductory background information that leads into a statement of your aim and briefly describe your methodology. Clearly describe the most important findings of your study and lucidly describe your conclusions.
Lengthy background information, citations, details about routine laboratory and the statistical methods or software used should be avoided. Also, undefined abbreviations or acronyms must be avoided.
Dr Manzoor Hussain
You've contributed very practical tips to develop an effective abstract. Looking forward to collaborate with you one day.
An abstract of a paper should encourage the readers to read full paper....(Compare it with trailer of a movie which attract people to watch it). Rest, it depends upon the interest of the reader.
An abstract must include introduction, purpose of the study, methodology and findings. Some journals have specific format for abstract with word limit as well. My suggestion is to select the journal first , then write the paper as per the journal's requirement and at the end write the abstract and read it again and again until you are satisfied. Usually abstract format is fixed in Emerald Publisher's Journals and the link of one such paper is attached below:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342478548_Social_media_usage_in_Indian_beauty_and_wellness_industry_a_qualitative_study
Introduction including the statement of the problem; follow by the methodology of the study, then the results of the study and finally, the conclusion and recommendations. Though each institution has tradition adhere to but the above are mainly the ingredients needed for a comprehensive abstract
As it has said before, it depends on the journal.
Generally speaking, I would suggest: state the the problem (a); the purpose of the study (b); quite briefly, methodology applied (c); results (d) and conclusion (e).
Manuel Caingcoy, good luck with your investigation!
Kulvinder Kaur
Thank you for the good read and for your expert opinion.
Thank you everyone. Some more ideas? Please drop here your thoughts about the question and your sources that answer the question.
I use this - IS-MR-C.
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