Your Abstract Step by Step

Step 1: Writing Your Abstract Your “road map” to exhibit success A short written summary of your completed research. 1/3 to 1/2 of a typed page One or two paragraphs Four parts to be included…>

Abstract part A: Why? Motivation/problem statement. Why do we/should we care about your research? Why did you research what you did? Living In Fear, by R Doyle and S Lemmen Despite the uproar about Darfur, the Rwandan Genocide, and conflict in Iraq, not many people are aware of the destruction caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). The LRA is a terrorist group that operates throughout Central Africa, and steals the dignity of the region.

Abstract part B: How? Methods/procedure: What did you actually do to get your results? (Include “Walking”, food, RJ’s, etc.) Our research uncovers the effects the LRA has had on the people of Central Africa: the child soldiers, the families, the government. Our qualitative findings stem from twelve detailed articles including sources such as BBC, The Washington Post, US News & World Report, CNN, and warchild.org.

Abstract part C: What? Results/Findings: A general state- ment of what you learned The LRA greatly affects the government, families, and children throughout Central Africa. Since 1986, the LRA has been actively pursuing the region’s governments. The Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) has been working against the LRA, but it consists of soldiers as young as fifteen, who are poorly trained. The Ugandan government itself is afraid of confrontation with the LRA which has caused this tragedy to last for 25 years. People live in fear in Central Africa; they flee their homes and are separated from their families. Families and villages are destroyed and mutilated, leaving children with no choice but to join with the LRA rebels. Over 20,000 children have been abducted within 25 years. Girls are turned into sex slaves and wives of commanders while boys are used as laborers and child soldiers. They are dehumanized into monsters as they are required to kill their families and innocent civilians. After being forced out of Uganda, the LRA has now migrated into northern Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of southern Sudan.

Abstract part D: So What? Conclusions: What are the implications of what you learned? This project will shed light on the horrors occurring in Central Africa, and seek to spark a sense of urgency for solving the problem at hand.