Abstracts are often written after the research is completed and presented in the form of a paper. The abstract functions to give other researchers an idea of what the project entailed and if the information would be suitable for them to advance their own research.
The abstract is concise, often limited by a word count of 200 or so words. The exact research question, a brief review of the methodology used and a quick explanation of results and the discussion are included in this section.
An introduction lays the foundation for the thesis statement. Normally a problem is identified with a summary of information found in a literature review. An idea of how the research will be developed through the current paper should be included. Through this background, the problem is revealed in a clear thesis statement or hypothesis.
There can also be an overview of the discussion included to give readers a complete picture. If readers need a more thorough understanding of the research as it was completed, they can read on. If the information is not relevant, including a brief synopsis of the discussion was helpful to them.
This section should be a very straightforward presentation of how the work was completed. The details should be very thorough, but do not need to be explicit. If a specific scientific technique was used, refer to the technique by name. The use of the Rorschach Test, for example, does not need to be explained. Just say: Use the Rorschach Test in such and such a condition. Make sure not to omit any details that are relevant, though.
In the results, be sure to include how the analysis was completed. Cover what type of analyses were done and with what software or techniques. Present information in graphs, tables and using other visual approaches as suitable to the research design.
The results need to be sequentially organized to help develop the idea of what was found and each table, graph or other report should be qualified with explanations that describe the data and bridge them to the next piece that is presented in the analysis of the data.
The discussion is a specific presentation of information. The details that are given take the results and look at them so that the research findings presented in the introduction are taken further.
The discussion only responds to points that were established through previous research, the points made in the introduction and the thesis that was presented.
A conclusion is a place to generalize the results to other research and show its relevance to the world. The conclusion wraps up the research and makes a final statement. Although that statement can then be added to with suggestions for future work or ways to repeat the studies so certain variables are alleviated. Often, reducing certain factors in future research may result in more refined results or detailed analysis.
The references are a necessity for a thesis paper. All research must be documented. The documentation has to be according to APA, Chicago, MLA or whatever other approach is suited to the research field.
Any procedural references like the Rorschach Test should also have source documentation so other researchers can confirm the different aspects of the procedure.