Methods: "What did you do?"
The methods section of a research paper could well be written before the research itself is
begun and any data collected. In an abstract the description of the methods has to be
concise, and much of the details of what was done must be omitted. However, in a few
short sentences the reader can be given a good idea of the design of the study, the context
in which it was done, and the types of measurements and statistics that were included.
Results: "What did you find?"
Again, space is limited. Still, it is important to give the main results of the study not just
in subjective terms but also in the form of some real data. You will need to choose which
findings to report here: it should be the most important data in your study, and the
findings on which your conclusions will be based.
A table or figure may be included in the abstract if it conveys the findings of the study
more effectively than text alone. Keep in mind that the abstract will be fairly small when
published, and that details may be lost if the table or figure is too small. Do not include a
table or figure unless it is necessary to convey your results.
Conclusions: "What does it mean?"
Here space limitations generally limit you to a simple statement of why you think your
findings are important, and their potential implications. The most common mistake here
is to make way more of the data than they deserve. Keep your conclusions reasonable and
supportable by the findings of your study.
Some General Advice for Writing Abstracts
Follow the instructions. It is astounding how many people submit work that does not fit
the description of what is desired, or abstracts that vary in format or style from that
specified in the guidelines.
Use simple, declarative sentences. Active voice is preferable to passive voice. "We
studied 6 hybrids of Fraxinus sp.” is much better than "6 hybrids of Fraxinus sp. were
studied..." Unless they are basic, universally accepted abbreviations, acronyms and
abbreviations should be spelled out the first time they are used in the abstract. Similarly,
local expressions and jargon should be watched for and eliminated from the abstract.
Before the abstract is submitted, it should be double-checked for accuracy, not only of the
data reported but of the description of the methods and all other details. Tables and
figures should be checked especially carefully. Having one or more colleagues (who were
not involved in the study) read the abstract and offer constructive criticism can be
extremely helpful.