Abstract

Definition

An abstract is a brief summary of the key points of a scientific paper or study. It provides an overview of the research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions to help readers quickly understand the main findings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Abstracts are typically around 150-250 words in length.
2. They include key components such as the purpose of the study, methodology, results, and conclusions.
3. Abstracts help researchers and students quickly decide if a paper is relevant to their work.
4. There are two main types of abstracts: descriptive and informative.
5. In many scientific journals, the abstract is freely accessible even if the full article is behind a paywall.

Review Questions

• What are the main components typically included in an abstract?
• Why is an abstract important for researchers and students?
• What are the differences between descriptive and informative abstracts?

Related terms

Introduction: The section of a scientific paper that provides background information and states the research question or hypothesis.

Methodology: The section detailing how the research was conducted, including experimental design and data collection techniques.

Results: The section where findings from experiments or studies are presented, often with tables and figures.