Creating Abstracts 

DO:

Define any acronyms or abbreviations used, such as names of tests, etc.

Be as concise as possible.

DO NOT:

Use quotations (paraphrase instead).

Write in the first person.

Abstracts should be 200 words or less, with the following sections/components:

For empirical studies:

Felt Need: One sentence that explains the importance of the problem that is the focus of the research.

Purpose of study: One sentence that poses the research question that the study will answer.

Methods: About three sentences, explaining design, measurement and data collection procedures.  This section should include a statement that indicates that the proposal has been submitted to USM's IRB.

Anticipated results: One sentence about what you expect the findings to be.

Importance: One sentence.

For theoretical studies:

Felt Need: One sentence that explains the importance of the problem that is the focus of the research.

Thesis: One sentence thesis statement.

Methods: About three sentences describing sources to be used.

Conclusion: : One sentence.

Importance: One sentence.

For more about the Thinking Matters conference and the call for abstracts, click here