1. Abstract versus Summary
11/28/2017

2. Schedule Abstract Creating Abstract Summary Abstract versus Summary
Creating Summary
Abstract Examples
Qualitative Summary

3. The Abstract Most research articles and reports require an abstract
It is an overview of the entire text
Can be called a synopsis
Not an introduction, but rather follows text from beginning to end
Each new sentence new information – no paragraph separation

4. Abstract (2) Written impersonally
Must hit each section of the report in the same order
Done when report is completed
Put at beginning of text
APA Manual says between 150 to 250 words
One sentence per section

5. Abstract (3)
INCLUDE: why the work was done (the basic problem), the specific purpose or objective, and the scope of the work
How the work was done, the test methods or means of investigation
What was found—the results, conclusions, and recommendations
Do not make references to material in the text
Do not lose the message by burying the methods, results, conclusions, and recommendations in a sea of words
Do not be written before the rest of the report
Complete, concise, specific, self-sufficient

6. A Strong Abstract Contains
A well-written abstract
Considers the readers it will encounter
States what was done and what results were found
Is concise
Avoids vagueness by stating specific results
Uses past tense to report what was done
Is informative
Is self-sufficient and does not refer to the body of the report
Makes concrete, useful recommendations

7. Executive Summary
“An executive summary is derived from the business practice of giving executives a concise outline of the main points in a report, indicating where in the report to locate more detailed information.”
Can be several pages long
Can have headings, dot points, numbered points
Concise and without details
Commentary on main points
Following sequence of report
Placed at beginning of report

8. Descriptive versus Informative Abstract
Informative Abstract – Longer (similar to a summary)
Descriptive abstract – Two to three sentences
Not descriptive, summary, or very informative
Informative abstract (summary) has the most important parts of the report
5% - 15% of the original
Talks about most important points

9. Creating Informative Abstracts - Include
Purpose: why the article was written and main purpose of the article.
Important Specifics: Include only those names, dates, places or costs that are essential to understanding the original.
Conclusions or results: Emphasize outcomes of surveys/tests, research conclusions, and proposed solutions to the problem.
Recommendations or implications: Include important recommendations and critical information

10. Creating Informative Abstracts - Omit
Opinion: Don’t include your own opinions
New Data: Don’t compare the work with other articles, books or conferences; stick only to information included in the original
Irrelevant Specifics: biographical data about the author
Examples: Illustrations, explanations and descriptions
Background: Material that provides information and anecdotes that are of little importance to understanding the article
Reference Data: Exclude information from footnotes, tables and bibliographies
Jargon: Technical language or jargon may confuse the reader

11. Preparing Informative Abstract (1)
1. Read through the material completely to get a general idea of its content.
2. Re-read the material as often as is necessary to locate all of the main points. The first sentence usually identifies the topic and the last sentence usually summarizes the paragraph.
a. Words the enumerate: first, second, third; next; initially, finally.
b. Words that express causation: thus, as a result, because, therefore.
c. Words that express contrasts and comparisons: however, although, despite, furthermore, in addition, likewise

12. Preparing Informative Abstract (2)
3. Organize the information you have gathered into an initial rough draft. At this point your draft will contain more information that will appear in your final version.
4. Read through your rough draft and delete whatever information you can. Condense or eliminate main points if possible. Make sure that you have accurately maintained the emphasis of the original.
5. Make sure you’ve eliminated unneeded words.
6. Don’t include remarks that repeatedly call attention to the fact that you are writing a summary.
For example, “On page 7 of the article, the author discusses sexual discrimination in the workplace.”
7. Identify the source you’ve just summarized.

13. Abstract Examples (1)
We studied the flow characteristics of meters, valves, and pipes that constitute a flow network. The meter coefficients for orifice and venture meters were determined. The orifice and venture coefficients were, on the average, and 0.598, respectively. Fanning friction factors for pipes of different sizes and for gate and globe valves were also determined.
The accuracy with which the meter coefficients and friction factors were determined was affected by leaks in the piping network. In addition, air bubbles trapped in the pipes and manometers affected the accuracy with which pressure drops were measured. Hence, it is recommended that the piping system be checked to ensure the absence of any leaks. Furthermore, the fluid should be allowed to flow in the network for some time before taking any measurements, in order to get rid of the air trapped in the pipes and manometer.

14. Abstract Examples (2)
In an orifice and a venturimeter in a flow network, we measured the meter coefficients to be and We measured the Fanning friction factors at steady state for several pipes and for gate and globe valves. The most important source of error was a leak in the piping network which has to be repaired in order to obtain more precise results.

15. Evaluative Summary Opinion of material is included in the summary
Blend throughout entire report
Is writing objective?
Has the person covered all the key points?
Did they achieve the goal?
Easy to follow? Technical jargon clear?