* Heading: The word "Abstract" is usually centered at the top. Some style guides may specify font size and style (e.g., bold, Times New Roman 12pt).
* Body: The body of the abstract is a single paragraph (though sometimes divided into very short paragraphs for specific sections), typically 150-300 words (the exact length depends on the journal or conference's requirements). This paragraph summarizes:
* Background/Context: Briefly states the problem or research area.
* Methods: Briefly describes the research methods used.
* Results: Briefly presents the key findings.
* Conclusion/Implications: Briefly states the conclusions and their significance.
* Formatting: The text is usually single-spaced, with consistent font and margins throughout the paper. It's typically justified (aligned on both left and right sides). Page numbers may or may not be included, depending on the style guide.
Example (hypothetical):
Abstract
This research investigates the impact of social media usage on adolescent self-esteem. A quantitative study was conducted using a survey administered to 150 high school students, measuring their daily social media engagement and self-reported self-esteem levels. Results indicate a significant negative correlation between excessive social media use and self-esteem scores, particularly among female participants. These findings suggest a need for increased awareness and interventions targeting healthy social media habits in adolescents to mitigate potential negative psychological effects. Further research is recommended to explore mediating factors and causal relationships.
In short, the abstract acts as a "mini-version" of your entire research paper, allowing readers to quickly grasp its essence before deciding whether to read the full text. Remember to always check the specific formatting guidelines of the journal or conference you're submitting your paper to, as requirements can vary.