How to write an Abstract | For research paper and project reports

Summary

In this video, Neha Graval, an expert in research paper writing, explains how to craft an effective abstract for research papers, proposals, and project reports. She covers key components, including the introduction, problem statement, methodology, results, and conclusion. Neha emphasizes the importance of conciseness and clarity, highlighting the role of an abstract in attracting readers' interest. She also shares tips for writing abstracts for research proposals and encourages viewers to practice by answering a related homework question. The video is aimed at students looking to improve their research writing skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing an abstract is an essential skill for students, particularly in research papers, project reports, and proposals.
• 😀 An abstract is a concise summary of your research or report, providing key information about your study in a limited word count (150-250 words).
• 😀 The abstract must reflect the major sections of the paper, including the introduction, methods, results, and conclusion.
• 😀 The abstract should be self-contained, meaning it can be understood on its own without referring to the main paper.
• 😀 The abstract is typically the last section to write, after completing the rest of your research paper or report.
• 😀 The first component of an abstract is the introduction, which includes the motivation behind your research and its significance.
• 😀 The second component is the problem statement or objective, highlighting the research gap your work addresses and your study’s goals.
• 😀 The third component is the methodology, providing a brief overview of the process or methods used to address the research gap.
• 😀 The fourth component is the results and discussion, summarizing key findings that helped achieve your research objective.
• 😀 The fifth component is the conclusion, which discusses the broader implications or impact of your research without exaggeration.
• 😀 For research proposals, the abstract differs by omitting results and discussion, instead focusing on the proposed methods and expected outcomes.

Q & A

What is an abstract?

An abstract is a concise summary of a research paper, providing an overview of the key components like the introduction, problem statement, methodology, results, and conclusion.

Why is an abstract important in a research paper?

An abstract is crucial because it allows readers to quickly understand the main points of the research. It helps them decide if they want to read the entire paper.

What are the typical word limits for an abstract?

An abstract typically ranges from 150 to 250 words.

What are the key components of an abstract?

The key components of an abstract are the introduction (motivation/background), problem statement or objective, approach or procedure, results and discussion, and conclusion.

When should an abstract be written?

An abstract should be written last, after completing the main sections of the research paper, so you can include all the key points effectively.

How should the methodology be presented in an abstract?

The methodology should be briefly summarized in the abstract, focusing on the overview of the process rather than detailing specific methods or data.

What is the difference between an abstract and a conclusion?

An abstract summarizes the entire paper, providing a snapshot of all key sections. A conclusion, on the other hand, focuses on the broader implications and the impact of the research.

What should be included in the results and discussion part of an abstract?

The results and discussion section of an abstract should highlight the key findings of the research and the discussion that supports achieving the objective, leaving out supporting details.

What is the purpose of the introduction in an abstract?

The introduction in an abstract explains the motivation or background of the research, answering why the research was undertaken and its significance.

How should the conclusion be written in an abstract?

The conclusion in an abstract should focus on the broader implications or applications of the research, stating the impact without exaggerating, to maintain the credibility of the study.