The Research Article Abstract

The research article abstract is the second most important part of the research article. It also includes important keywords, and is written to summarize the main points of the research.

The structure of the abstract is usually an ‘expanded’ problem-solution structure.

Research Article Abstract Structure

SITUATION     (a) Importance of research field/area

                          (b) General knowledge about research field/area

                          (c) Previous research

PROBLEM        (a) Problems/limitations of previous research

                          (b) What is needed to improve previous research

RESPONSE      (a) Aim/purpose/goal of present research

                          (b) Method

                          (c) Results

EVALUATION (a) Applications of research

                          (b) Novelty of research

                          (c) Limitations of research

Example Abstract

1. Image processing is important in many areas of industry.
2. However, in the past computers did not have the power to process images quickly enough for most applications.
3. Now, computers are much faster and can process images effectively.
4. For example, images of a billiard table have been used to help players improve their billiard skills.
5. To improve current image processing techniques, clearer digital images need to be produced
6. In this paper, we describe a new CCD chip that can produce very high quality images at current processing times.
7. We use a new method to produce the chip, using silicon with copper instead of aluminum.
8. The new chip can be used in all digital devices, such as video and digital cameras.
9. Although the cost of production is ten times that of normal chips, this can be reduced.