Dr. Donna Harp Ziegenfuss donna.ziegenfuss@utah.edu Writing an Abstract Dr. Donna Harp Ziegenfuss donna.ziegenfuss@utah.edu https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Urval_av_de_bocker_som_har_vunnit _Nordiska_radets_litteraturpris_under_de_50_ar_som_priset_funnits_%283%29.jpg

Session Objectives: At the end of this session, you will be able to: Articulate the purpose of an abstract List the parts of an abstract Locate examples of honors theses to explore abstract examples

Usually written after your paper is written or research completed Definition What is an Abstract? “a complete but concise description of your work to entice potential readers into obtaining a copy of the full paper”. (Koopman, 1997) A summary of your work that stands alone (it is not an executive summary) Usually written after your paper is written or research completed

Types of Abstracts Information Abstract (usually about 100 words) Information about your work but no conclusions or implications Descriptive Abstract (most common type) -about 150-250 words Information abstract that includes methods and conclusions Structured abstracts - Usually about 500 words Divided into sections Example Different from an essay/ research paper with an argument research paper – use research to make a point and support your own argument, literature review – review and analyze arguments and ideas of others Systematic reviews usually done in the sciences – comparing and contrasting clinical studies

Adapted from: https://users.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/essays/abstract.html Parts of an Abstract [Background]: Context for your Research? Problem statement or research questions: What is the problem are you trying to solve? Why is this a problem – the bigger picture [Methods] Approach: How did you or will you go about solving or making progress on the problem? [Results]: What did you find? In your research [Conclusions]: What are or could be the implications of your problem answer or research? Adapted from: https://users.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/essays/abstract.html

Tips for a Good Abstract Concise and clear writing - Don’t use details, jargon, or citations But also show why your project matters Avoid first person when possible Consider your audience Look at previously accepted examples or the call for proposals for themes, etc. to adhere to Adhere strictly to the word count (100-500 words) Don’t use details, jargon, or citations Use direct phrasing … The purpose of this research was to … Adapted from: http://www.acu.edu/academics/honors/news-events/sturesearch/Tips_on_Writing_a_Wi.html

Stuck Getting Started? Here are some strategies for getting started If you have a paper you wrote, use a reverse outline technique to help you organize and pull out info from your paper or research Write one sentence for each: the introduction, problem, methods, conclusions then try to pull together into a cohesive paragraph

References How to Write an Abstract Article How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or a conference proceedings Writing an abstract or prospectus (UNLV writing center) American Journal Experts Website Tips UNC- Chapel Hill Writing Center – handouts and videos on all types of writing topics