An abstract is "a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of the article" (American Psychological Association [APA], 2010, p. 25). This summary is intended to share the topic, argument, and conclusions of a research study or course paper, similar to the text on the back cover of a book. Abstracts may be required for certain course assignments and are required elements of Walden capstone projects (see the Center for Research Quality's abstract assistance for more information on specific requirements for these doctoral capstone abstracts). Read on for guidelines on constructing a strong abstract for course papers!
An abstract appears after a paper's cover page but before the body of the paper. Per APA 2.04, to format an abstract, center the title Abstract at the top of a new page in plain text. The body of the abstract for course papers should
The abstract may use the full name of an acronym and identify the acronym in parentheses; writers should thereafter refer to the acronym. If the acronym is identified but then not used again in the abstract, however, it should only be written out and not identified. The abstract should not include citations or any material that needs to be cited; all background information on your topic should appear in the body of the paper. Citations, which are intended to credit supporting sources, would be out of place in an abstract, just as they would on the back cover of a textbook.
Most course papers do not require an abstract. If one is required, the abstract should provide your audience with (a) information on your paper’s purpose and argument, (b) the ways you develop that argument within the paper, and (c) any conclusions you draw. Try waiting until the paper is complete before you write your abstract to ensure you have included all of the main points of your paper.
Can you identify the elements listed above in the sample course paper abstract below?
An essential skill of a scholar practitioner is the ability to critique others’ work and research. The following essay denotes my ability to analyze three qualitative studies that are relevant in the field of higher education and to the topic of student attrition. In this analysis, I assess the rationale, methodology, and scholarly nature of each article and include a comparison of the authors’ choices. In conclusion, I describe how the most recent article is more universal in determining why first-year college students may be dropping out of school.
Know that an abstract is not the same as an introduction. An abstract is a summary of your paper; it does not provide context or attempt to interest a reader in your paper the way an introduction does. Assignments that require abstracts should still include an introductory section that provides background on the topic and establishes the purpose of the paper.
If you have questions about whether or not to include an abstract in your course paper, be sure to check with your instructor.
Walden University doctoral capstone studies (dissertations, doctoral research studies, and doctoral project studies) require abstracts with some additional elements. Please visit the Center for Research Quality's abstract assistance page for more information on these elements.