Research Abstract Flashcards
A brief summary of a research article, thesis, or any in-depth analysis that quickly communicates the purpose of the work.
Abstract
The type of abstract that includes purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
Informative abstract
A key component of abstracts intended to capture the interest of readers.
To attract interest
This type of abstract is generally 100 words or less and serves as an outline rather than a summary.
Descriptive abstract
This section of an abstract provides the implications or applications of the research findings.
Discussion/Implications
Writing style that is often recommended for abstracts to convey research findings.
Concise language
An abstract style used for IMRaD structured papers, typically consisting of 120-500 words.
IMRaD structure
The part of an abstract where you would describe models or approaches used in the research.
Methodology
The specific section of an abstract that usually includes a concise description of findings.
Results
A component of the IMRaD structure that explains the research’s purpose and importance.
Introduction
The amount of the IMRaD abstract typically dedicated to the research’s introduction.
25%
These should be avoided in abstracts as they add unnecessary length and may confuse readers.
Jargon, lengthy context, citations
The element of an abstract that includes summarized findings without in-depth explanations.
Summary
The ideal location for an abstract within a document.
Immediately following the title page
The primary purpose of an abstract in an academic or research paper.
To give a quick overview of the paper
- Which of the following is not a recommended characteristic of an abstract?
a) Concise
b) Evaluative
c) Objective
d) Informative
b) Evaluative
Descriptive abstracts typically contain which of the following?
a) Results and recommendations
b) Purpose, methods, scope
c) Statistical findings
d) Literature citations
b) Purpose, methods, scop
Which type of sentence structure is preferred in an abstract?
a) Elliptical
b) Complex
c) Incomplete
d) Concise, complete
d) Concise, complete
For an informative abstract, which section is not usually included?
a) Scope
b) Conclusions
c) Evaluation
d) Methodology
c) Evaluation
What is typically the largest section of an IMRaD abstract?
a) Introduction
b) Methods
c) Results
d) Discussion
c) Results
What is the typical purpose of writing the abstract last?
a) To introduce the study
b) To focus on final findings and summaries
c) To ensure it meets word count
d) To organize the table of contents
b) To focus on final findings and summaries
Which voice is preferred in scientific abstracts?
a) Present
b) Passive
c) Future
d) Hypothetical
b) Passive
Which percentage of an IMRaD abstract typically covers the research methodology?
a) 15%
b) 25%
c) 50%
d) 35%
b) 25%
In a descriptive abstract, which of the following is not usually present?
a) Results
b) Purpose
c) Methods
d) Scope
a) Results
What is a key function of an abstract?
a) To review and judge a work
b) To advertise upcoming research
c) To allow readers to quickly assess the work’s relevance
d) To serve as the research’s main argument
c) To allow readers to quickly assess the work’s relevance
Which of the following is not suitable for inclusion in an abstract?
a) Major conclusions
b) Statistical data
c) Jargon and unnecessary terms
d) Brief description of methods
c) Jargon and unnecessary terms
Which section of an IMRaD abstract gives insight into the research’s overall contribution?
a) Results
b) Introduction
c) Discussion/Implications
d) Methodology
c) Discussion/Implications
In abstracts, the term “self-contained” implies:
a) It is open-ended
b) It provides a summary without needing external sources
c) It references other works for clarification
d) It concludes with an open question
b) It provides a summary without needing external sources
Which type of abstract might be used in a conference proceeding to preview research presentations?
a) Descriptive
b) Informative
c) Evaluative
d) Analytical
a) Descriptive
An abstract should primarily be written in which tense?
a) Present
b) Future
c) Past
d) Conditional
c) Past
