2. Writing a WINning Abstract Martha J Lentz Research Professor School of Nursing University of Washington Supported by UW Office for Nursing Research NINR 2 P30 NR04001 1

3. Directions Are There for a Reason Read the directions Believe the directions Follow the directions 2

4. What kinds of abstracts are accepted? Completed Research Data Only Theory Projects Partially Completed Research/Projects 3

5. How much space is allowed? Use it all Don’t run over 4

6. Focus your abstract 5

7. Think New

8. Organizing the abstract Make it easy for the reviewer If section titles are suggested use them Or make clear sections Be specific be succinct 6

9. Avoid the ball without any breaks or apparent organization. 7

10. Abstract Sections Background Purpose Sample Methods Results Implications 8

11. Background Choose small part of the study 2-3 sentences Remember people want new 9

12. Purpose A clear statement of what to expect One sentence Saves space to make last sentence of background 10

13. Sample Who From where How many How did they get in your study Demographic characteristics 11

14. Methods Be specific what was done Don’t try and convince reader it was the right method 12

15. Results Give real data Concepts Numbers 13

16. Implications Be realistic Be specific More research, but of course 14