Writing an Academic Abstract

An abstract is a concise, compelling statement that summarises a larger piece of work. They are useful for researchers to select relevant evidence, and for indexing purposes by search databases.

By incorporating keywords in the abstract, the author highlights the main topics included in the research, giving prospective readers sufficient detail to determine whether the work is relevant to their topic area.

They are important for indexing purposes and therefore, should include keywords or phrases that a potential researcher would use in online retrieval systems. Search engines utilize a combination of titles, abstracts and full text to perform searches. Without an abstract, the search engine would rely solely on the title or the full text. The title alone is unlikely to capture all relevant literature and searching through full text can be cumbersome and less efficient.

Abstracts are written for various reasons at a postgraduate level, including the following:

Submitting articles to a journal
Applying for a research grant
Submitting an abstract to a conference
Writing your dissertation

A well-crafted informative abstract serves as a summary of the work conducted. It explains the main arguments, key results, conclusions and the author's recommendations.

The length of an abstract varies but typically ranges from between 200 – 350 words.

Abstract Format

The format of an abstract will vary, so it is important to consult your module handbook when conducting an assignment and refer to the journal's instructions to authors if submitting an abstract to a journal or conference.

Here are some key elements of an abstract.

Introduction or Background
Aim
Methodology

Depending on the type of research this section will vary, but typically it will clearly and concisely describe the steps taken during the research process.
It might include components such as research design, recruitment procedures, methods, data collection tools and analysis methods as well as ethical considerations.
Refer to the assignment brief or instructions to authors for specific guidance.
Results

This will include data (qualitative or quantitative) that addresses the research aim and objectives.
Often it will incorporate tables or figures. Ensure each table or figure is numbered, referred to in the text, has a standalone title and any relevant footnotes included.
This section should not include a discussion or interpretation of the results.
Conclusion
Implications
Limitations
References

If submitting an abstract to a conference you may need to include literature within the abstract.
Any citations included in the abstract must then be included in the reference list. Make sure to consult the assignment brief or instructions to authors for details on the referencing style.
The Library run referencing workshops throughout the year so have a look at the upcoming sessions.

Tips for Writing an Abstract

Start by copying and pasting key sentences from the main work such as the opening sentence of the introduction, the aim, study design and conclusion into a first draft document. Then list other key details that need to be included and start developing each section.

You must use the same style and tone of writing that’s included in the dissertation or manuscript.

Select keywords and phrases that will help researchers understand the focus and scope of the work.

It should follow the same chronological order as the main piece of work.

Read, review and re-draft. Allow yourself time to edit the abstract. It is the section of work that needs to encompass all the key elements so it should not be rushed.

What NOT to do

Do not add any detail that has not been included in the main work.

Avoid over citing other research, this is an opportunity for you to describe and summarise your work.

Do not ignore instructions on structure, format, or word count. Online submission portals often will not let you submit an abstract if you exceed the word count.

Do not be tempted to add contractions (e.g. don't, I'm) or inappropriate hyphens just to reduce the word count.

Do not oversell the findings, in the hope it will be selected for a conference presentation.

By following these tips and staying focused on effectively communicating the key aspects of your research, you can write a strong and compelling academic abstract that showcases the significance of your work.

Writing an Academic Abstract