Re-read the completed research paper. The intent of the abstract is to summarize the major points of the paper; therefore, it is recommended that the author or authors finish the paper before writing the abstract.
Format the abstract according to the specifications used throughout the rest of the paper. Use the same margins, font and font size, spacing, and heading style. If submitting the paper for a class, check with the professor or department to determine what formatting should be used. If the paper is for a journal or conference, check the editorial guidelines or conference guidelines for the appropriate formatting.
Introduce the research paper by discussing its background or purpose. The abstract tells the reader why the research was done and why it is important. Explain to the reader the aim or goal of the research. What central question or thesis was the research intended to answer?
Discuss the research methodology. What strategies or techniques were used? Tell the reader how the research was conducted, whether it be in the lab, a field study, through interviews or a literature review.
Include information about the results and the implications of the results. Reference the outcomes of the research, then discuss the implications of these outcomes. Conclude the abstract by telling the reader how these outcomes impact the main question or thesis of the paper.
Proofread the completed abstract. Ask a friend, classmate or colleague to also review the abstract. Provide them with the completed paper as well so they can help determine if the abstract adequately summarizes the paper.