* The research question or problem being addressed.
* The methods used to investigate the question.
* The key findings or results of the study.
* The significance or implications of the findings.
Key Characteristics of an Abstract:
* Brief and to the point: Abstracts are usually limited to a specific word count, typically between 150-250 words.
* Informative: They should provide a clear and accurate overview of the work, highlighting the essential information.
* Self-contained: Abstracts should be understandable on their own, without requiring readers to refer to the full text.
* Objective: Abstracts should avoid subjective opinions or interpretations.
* Accurate and consistent: The information presented in the abstract should accurately reflect the content of the work.
Purpose of an Abstract:
* To provide a brief overview of the work for readers who may not have time to read the entire text.
* To help readers decide whether the work is relevant to their interests.
* To aid in indexing and searching for relevant research.
Types of Abstracts:
* Descriptive Abstracts: Briefly describe the content of the work, including the research question, methods, and general findings.
* Informative Abstracts: Provide more detailed information, summarizing the key findings and conclusions.
* Indicative Abstracts: Provide a general overview of the work, highlighting the main topics covered but not providing specific results.
In essence, an abstract acts as a mini-version of the entire work, offering a glimpse into its content and significance.