How to Begin an Abstract for a Research Paper

Check class requirements before writing an abstract summary for research papers.

An abstract is a commonly required portion of a research paper which explains the main content or idea expressed within the paper. In 250 words or less, the abstract is one concise paragraph enticing the reader to continue reading the remainder of the research paper. Write it after the paper has been completed to ensure that it is a full summary.

Instructions

1. Center the word "Abstract," beginning with a capital letter on the top of the page following the title page. When formatting in APA style, include the header and page number, flush right, on the abstract page. Double space the body of your abstract. Read over your paper and make notes of the key points of your research process and conclusion.

2. Summarize the process of the research including key points and any research questions, methods, results and conclusion. For example, when writing a research abstract on the safety of cheerleading stunts, include information regarding cheerleading injury statistics and a question that the research will answer such as "Is cheerleading safe for youth athletes?" Explain your methods of research, including scholarly journals and interviews with athletic trainers or cheerleading coaches. Specify your hypothesis about the answer to the question and briefly describe any research pointing to a projected change in youth cheerleading due to safety regulations or guidelines.

3. Include "Keywords" on the line following the abstract by typing "Keywords," beginning with a capital letter and italicized; follow it with a colon. Type the keywords from your paper into the abstract section. Separate each keyword or phrase with a comma. Highlight and center the "keyword" sentence below the abstract paragraph. For example, write "Keywords: cheerleading safety, co-ed sport safety, future of cheerleading stunts."

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that your abstract describes the research process and not the research topic.

• The items included in an abstract often differ between disciplines, so please check with your professor or teacher regarding specific instructions.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: General Format
• The University of Wisconsin Writing Center: Abstracts
• University of Mississippi Writing Center: Writing the Abstract
• RICE Information Technology: Writing Research Papers
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Abstracts