Writing an abstract

Abstract

An abstract presents a brief summary of the content of a paper within the length allowed by a given journal. The problem under investigation is stated in one sentence (usually in the form of a purpose statement); pertinent sample characteristics are described (e.g., number of subjects, age, gender); the methodology is specified, including data collection procedures and instruments; important findings of the study are stated; and conclusions are discussed. The abstract must be an accurate, succinct, comprehensible, and informative representation of what is in an article so as to promote reading of the entire article, increase readership, and facilitate retrieval in the future.