Checklist for Writing the Abstract of a Research Paper
Use this checklist, based on a five-sentence method for writing an abstract to ensure that your abstract is complete before submitting your research paper.
For more checklists and tips on writing a research paper, see Magnum Academic Editing's Research Writing Guide.
☐ The broad research problem or purpose of the study is clearly stated.
Example: While research on the liking gap has provided valuable data on the nature of initial interactions between strangers, little is known about what factors affect the magnitude of the liking gap.
☐ The specific research objective is clearly stated and follows logically from the research problem.
Example: This study aims to expand the current understanding of the liking gap by examining whether sharing personal details during an initial conversation impacts how much a person is liked by their conversation partner, as well as how much that person perceives they are liked.
☐ The methodology provides enough information for readers to understand how the research objective was investigated.
Example: In a between-subjects experiment, 240 participants were randomly paired into dyads, instructed to hold conversations characterized by either a high or low level of disclosure, and then filled out a questionnaire designed to measure their actual liking, perceived liking, and the resulting liking gap.
☐ The most important results are clearly presented and directly relate to the research objective.
Example: The high self-disclosure group exhibited a wider liking gap than the low self-disclosure group, owing to a higher average actual liking score.
☐ The main takeaway from the study is clearly stated.
Example: This outcome suggests that self-disclosure can increase how much people are liked without increasing how much they believe they are liked.
Download Magnum Academic Editing's 40-point Research Paper Checklist, which covers all major sections of a standard research article.
