Writing Abstracts AGED 520V

Writing Abstracts The Purpose of the Abstract To provide a brief, yet comprehensive summary of the article To ID the contents so potential readers can determine their desire to read the article in its entirety To ID the contents so reviewers can determine if the article is appropriate for inclusion in a conference/symposium, etc. To serve as the article’s “resume”

Writing Abstracts Structure The abstract is one long paragraph-- your paper in a nutshell. The sentences are organized according to the order of the paper itself. The abstract addresses only the most important, elemental parts of the paper. See potential structures for various types of articles in APA, Section 1.07

Writing Abstracts Characteristics Accurate –Clear representation of the content of the manuscript –Generally written last so they are congruent with any last- minute revisions Self-contained –All info must be self-explanatory because the abstract will often be read separately from the paper. –Abbreviations, acronyms should be spelled out, and unique terms defined. –Cited authors should be referred to with initials and date of publication.

Writing Abstracts Characteristics Concise and Specific –An introduction is not necessary –Start with the purpose or objectives of the study –Use active voice where possible and be as efficient as possible in sentence structure –Use digits for all numbers –Abbreviate when possible (after first reference) Non-evaluative –This is not a critique or a review Coherent and readable –Avoid noun strings, nominalizations, and unnecessary descriptors (e.g., “This study by researchers at multiple institutions was a longitudinal examination…”)

Writing Abstracts Voice, Tense, and Person Use active voice where possible Use past tense to report specific findings (manipulated variables, or results of tests) –e.g., “Data analysis showed…” Use present tense to discuss/interpret results –e.g., “these findings imply that…” Use third person in the abstract, even if the manuscript is in first person –e.g., “researchers examined,” “investigators concluded”