1. Dr. Donna Harp Ziegenfuss donna.ziegenfuss@utah.edu
Writing an Abstract
Dr. Donna Harp Ziegenfuss
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2. 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

3. 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

4. Types of Abstracts Information Abstract (usually about 100 words)
Information about your work but no conclusions or implications
Descriptive Abstract (most common type) -about 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

5. 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:

6. 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 ( words)
Don’t use details, jargon, or citations
Use direct phrasing … The purpose of this research was to …
Adapted from:

7. 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

8. 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