abstract purpose of research

What is the Purpose of an Abstract? Why is it Important?

Researchers are stretched for time as they juggle their research work and reading, the ability to quickly assess a study’s relevance can prove very useful. This is where academic abstracts come into play.  

What is an abstract?  

An abstract is a summary of an academic journal article, research report, thesis, or dissertation. From a reader’s point of view, it allows you to scan critical information at a glance quickly and helps you to make informed decisions about which papers to read in full.

From an author’s point of view, the purpose of an abstract is to communicate key findings of their research to those who may not have time to read all the details. Typically ranging between 150 to 250 words, abstracts are almost always positioned at the very start of a manuscript, before the introduction, and set the tone for the entire manuscript. 

Types of abstracts in research  

There are several types of abstracts used in academic writing, each serving different purposes. Let us take a look at some of the more commonly used kinds: 

• Descriptive Abstracts provide a quick overview of the research and do not go into in-depth discussions. While they typically include a concise mention of the purpose and scope of the study and the methods used, they lack details on conclusions and findings. This type of abstract can be useful for readers seeking a general and broad understanding of the research work undertaken
• Informative Abstracts go a step further by summarizing the key components of the study and usually include the problem statement, methodology, results, and conclusions. This type of abstract is most commonly used in research articles, as it allows readers to gain a pretty good understanding of the essential findings and significance of the study without having to spend time perusing the entire report
• Structured Abstracts are formatted with distinct headings that mark out various sections of the research, such as the background, purpose, methods, results, and conclusions. This type of abstract is particularly useful in the medical field and in the social sciences, where clarity and structure are essential for understanding a subject
• Critical Abstracts offer not only a summary of the research report but also a concise explanation of its significance, reliability, and relevance to the field. They also provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the research undertaken, making them useful for researchers seeking a more analytical perspective

The purpose of an abstract  

Abstracts are considered to be a critical part of academic writing and serve a beneficial purpose for researchers and readers alike for the following reasons –  

• Abstracts help save time by offering readers a broad summary of the research. This enables them to quickly determine the relevance of a study to their own work or needs. By summarizing the key elements of the work, they aid in decision-making about whether to read the full manuscript. 
• They enhance visibility as they are usually indexed in databases, making them accessible to wider audiences. This is particularly beneficial to authors as it increases the likelihood of citations and engagement from peers. 
• Abstracts can shape research design by providing researchers with key insights into methodologies and approaches used in similar studies. They allow researchers to collate information, build a fair understanding of a subject, and identify gaps in the existing literature. 
• They help meet publication requirements, given that most journals require a well-structured abstract as part of their submission guidelines. An impactful abstract goes a long way in ensuring that a manuscript is received favourably by journals. 

How to structure an abstract?  

Following an organized format when writing an abstract can improve its impact and make it more engaging. Most abstracts start with a background that provides context on the research and highlights gaps in existing knowledge that the study aims to address. In doing so, it conveys the significance and relevance of the research. A section on the specific objectives of the study follows this. This section clearly articulates what the research aims to achieve. Next comes the section on methods used in the study. It describes the research design and provides details for readers to understand how the study was conducted. The final part of an abstract, or the results section, is where the key findings of the research are summarized. Here, researchers assess the implications of their findings and suggest areas for future research.  

Expert tips for writing an effective abstract  

• Keep it concise: Try to stick to the stated word limit and ensure that your abstract is both informative and easy to read. 
• Use simple language: Avoid complex technical terms and jargon. This will ensure that your abstract is accessible to broader audiences. 
• Focus on sharing key information: Readers should be able to grasp the study’s significance and findings quickly. 
• Edit and proofread: Take the time to revise your abstract multiple times. Editing ensures that it flows well and accurately represents the main points of your research. 

By understanding the structure, types, and purpose of an abstract, researchers can craft effective abstracts that enhance their manuscripts and contribute to their overall academic success. 

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5 Reasons Why Your Abstract is Important

An abstract is a brief summary of a scientific paper that provides an overview of the research question, methods, results, and conclusions.

Updated on August 24, 2023

What is the abstract’s purpose?

The purpose of an abstract is to provide a concise and accurate description of the study, allowing readers to quickly understand the main points without having to read the entire document. Abstracts are typically between 150-300 words in length and should generally include the following elements:

• Background and study aim : Provide a brief introduction to the research problem or question and the goal of the research.
• Methods : Describe the methods used to conduct the study.
• Results : Summarize the main findings of the study.
• Conclusions : Explain the significance and implications of the study's results.

Note that the specific sections included in your abstract as well as the word count will depend on the requirements of your target journal or publisher. This information can generally be found under “Author Guidelines” on a journal’s webpage.  

An abstract should be written in a clear, concise, and objective manner, using plain language and avoiding technical jargon whenever possible.

Here are five reasons why an abstract is important in a scientific paper:

1. The abstract provides a quick overview

The abstract is the first section of a scientific paper that readers encounter. This is your chance to hook your readers. Therefore, it should provide a brief overview of the entire paper, including your key findings. An abstract enables readers to quickly understand the purpose of the research and decide if the paper is relevant to their interests.

Researchers often need to read through many papers to find the information they need. The abstract allows readers to quickly determine if a paper is relevant to their needs, saving them time and effort.

2. A well-written abstract increases accessibility and visibility

Abstracts are often published in databases and indexes which allows researchers to search for papers based on specific keywords in search engines such as Google Scholar , the Web of Science Master Journal List , or PubMed . This makes it easier for both researchers and the public to find relevant papers and access the information they need in search engines.

3. Abstracts save researchers and journal editors time 

Journals receive many articles. Editors do not have the time read through entire manuscripts. A well-written abstract can give editors the jist of your research in a short amount of time. Many journals use abstracts to help determine which articles to publish.

4. An abstract can improve understanding

The abstract summarizes the key findings and conclusions of the research. This enables readers to quickly understand the implications of the research and its potential impact on their field.

5. An abstract enables critical appraisal

Abstracts enable readers to critically appraise the research by providing a summary of the methods and results. This allows readers to evaluate the quality and reliability of the research and determine if the conclusions are supported by the evidence presented.

Final thoughts

The main purpose of an abstract is to help readers quickly determine if a paper is relevant to their interests and if it provides information that is useful to their research. The abstract should provide an overview of the research question, methods, results, and conclusions of the paper, allowing readers to quickly understand the main points of the paper and decide if they want to read the full article.

In addition, the abstract also serves as a tool for indexing and searching scientific literature databases, allowing researchers to quickly and easily locate relevant papers based on specific keywords or topics.

Even though they are short, abstracts can be one of the most difficult sections of a paper to write. For additional help, check out these resources:

• Developmental Editing Template from AJE Scholar
• Writing an Abstract for your Research Paper , with samples, from the University of Wisconsin
• Example abstract in a published research paper

Catherine Zettel Nalen, MS

Academic Editor, Specialist, and Journal Recommendation Team Lead

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AJE also offers in depth help for authors

Our Presubmission Review service provides support beyond language editing. Our Presubmission Review editors can help you improve the structure of your manuscript and assist you in communicating the relevance and impact of your research.