Here's why:
* Abstracts are meant to be self-contained summaries: They should provide a brief overview of the paper's content without relying on external sources.
* Citations can be distracting: Including citations in the abstract can disrupt the flow and make it difficult for readers to quickly grasp the main points of your research.
* Abstracts are often used independently: Readers may encounter the abstract without having access to the full paper. Therefore, it should be understandable on its own.
However, there are some exceptions:
* If a study is directly building upon or referencing a specific previous work, it may be appropriate to briefly mention the source within the abstract. This is usually done to highlight the novelty or significance of your research in relation to existing literature.
* If a specific term or concept is defined by a particular source, you may need to cite that source in the abstract. However, this should be done sparingly.
In most cases, it's best to avoid citations in your abstract and instead focus on clearly and concisely summarizing your research findings.
Here are some tips for writing a strong abstract without citations:
* Keep it concise and informative. The abstract should be no more than 250 words.
* State the research question or hypothesis.
* Summarize the methodology and key findings.
* Highlight the significance of your findings.
* Use strong verbs and clear language.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your abstract is both informative and accessible to a wide audience.