The Abstract: A Key Component of a Proposal/Publication/Thesis 15th Annual HuQAS Scientific Conference Dr Margaret Muturi (KU) Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD), Nacece Resource Center Nairobi, on 18th September 2015

Outline Introduction Abstract – Types – Importance Writing an abstract A good abstract

Introduction “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking” Albert Einstein” Conducting scientific research is the beginning of the scholarship of discovery In order for research findings to have effect on community, they must be published

Publishing Research findings are published in peer- reviewed journals rigor of the review process makes publications credible sources of new information Info impacts clinical decision-making and practice effective writing is key to acceptance of a manuscript for publication

Considerations for acceptance importance, timeliness, relevance prevalence of the problem addressed; study design sample size quality of the writing style (clear, straightforward, easy to follow, and logical)

Abstract Condensed form of a longer piece of writing Appears at the beginning of the proposal/publication Summarizes the proposal/publication Usually has a word limit May need to meet other requirements

Types of abstract: Descriptive; Describes key point, short, used for social science papers – Includes the background, purpose and focus not methods, results and conclusions Informative: Informs of key point, longer, used for science papers – summarizes the background, purpose, focus, methods, results, findings and conclusions

When is it necessary to write abstracts? Abstracts are usually required for: submission of articles to journals application for research grants completion and submission of theses submission of proposals for conference papers

Importance of the Abstract Provides a first impression Choosing peer reviewers Selection and indexing purposes Help administrators and reviewers grasp the essence and importance of the work Remind reviewers about what they have read in the proposal/publication

What to include in an abstract Abstract format depend on the discipline All abstracts generally cover the following five sections: 1.Reason for writing: – What is the importance of the research? – Why would a reader be interested in the larger work?

2. Problem: What problem does this work attempt to solve? What is the scope of the project? What is the main argument, thesis or claim?

3. Methodology: models or approaches used in the larger study describe the types of evidence used in the research

4. Results: may include specific data may discuss the findings in a more general way. 5. Implications : How does this work add to the body of knowledge on the topic? Are there any practical or theoretical applications from your findings or implications for future research

How do I write an abstract? First re-read your paper/report for an overview read each section and condense the information in each down to 1-2 sentences ensure all major points are included check the word length further reduce unnecessary words or rewriting some of the sentences into a single, more succinct sentence Edit for flow and expression

Avoid if possible avoid trade names, acronyms, abbreviations, or symbols Use key words from the document

What makes a good abstract? Well developed paragraph Coherent, concise Stand alone as a unit of information Covers all essential elements of the paper Contains no information not included in the paper

Good abstract continue……. Written in plain English Often uses passive, focusing on the issues rather than people Uses the language of the original paper Often in a more simplified form for the general reader Usually does not include any references Found at the beginning of the text

Thank You Contact info: Kenyatta University