The research abstract is a crucial section of any research paper or doctoral dissertation. It is a short paragraph, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words, that summarizes the key aspects of the study or research project.
A well-crafted abstract usually includes information about:
- Research Topic (What is the study about?)
- Objectives (Why was the research conducted?)
- Methodology (How was the research carried out?)
- Main Findings (What were the main results?)
- Conclusions (What are the final conclusions of the research?)
Example
Consider a Ph.D. researcher in psychology studying the effect of regular physical exercise on reducing anxiety symptoms among young adults. Here’s how a research abstract might look:
Research Abstract:
“This study aims to explore the effect of regular physical exercise on alleviating anxiety symptoms among young adults. The study was conducted on a sample of 200 individuals aged 18-25, divided into two groups: an experimental group that engaged in regular exercise for three months, and a control group with no physical activity. Using standardized anxiety scales, the results showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels in the experimental group compared to the control group. These findings suggest that physical exercise may be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms in young adults, paving the way for further research on the relationship between mental health and physical activity.”
The Importance of Research Abstracts in Evaluation by Reviewers
In addition to providing an overview, the research abstract is particularly important when it comes to evaluation by reviewers for research papers or dissertations. Reviewers typically read the abstract first to form an initial impression of the research’s quality and significance. Here’s how the abstract influences the evaluation process:
How Research Abstracts Aid Reviewers in Evaluation:
- Comprehensive Overview of the Research: The abstract provides reviewers with a concise picture of the entire study, allowing them to quickly understand the objectives, methodology, results, and conclusions, which helps them assess the coherence and structure of the research.
- Assessing Research Significance: Through the abstract, reviewers can determine the importance and relevance of the study. If the research addresses a new topic or offers practical solutions to significant issues, it is likely to positively impact the reviewer’s decision.
- Evaluating Originality and Creativity: The abstract highlights the originality and creativity of the study, enabling reviewers to judge whether the research contributes new insights to the academic field or simply reinterprets existing ideas.
- Evaluating Methodology and Findings: The abstract outlines the methodology and key results, aiding reviewers in assessing the credibility and scientific rigor of the research. A strong methodology and clear findings increase the study’s value in the reviewer’s eyes.
- Identifying Gaps or Limitations: The abstract can also reveal potential gaps or limitations, such as weak methodology or unclear results, prompting reviewers to recommend revisions before the research is accepted.
In summary, the abstract is a quick and comprehensive overview that provides readers and reviewers with insight into the research’s importance and its contributions to academic knowledge.
