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How to Write an Abstract for Research Proposal

by  Antony W

December 13, 2021

An abstract in a research proposal summarizes the main aspect of the assignment in a given sequence in 300 words or less. It highlights the purpose of the study, the research problem, design of the study, findings, summary of your interpretations and conclusions.

For what it’s worth, the abstract of your research proposal should give a clear and concise elaboration of the major aspects of an issue you’ve investigated.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to write an abstract for any research proposal. We’ll look at why an abstract is important, the types of abstracts, writing style, and what to avoid when it comes to writing an abstract for your research proposal.

Types of Abstracts for a Research Proposal

There are four types of abstracts that you can write for a research proposal:

• Critical abstract
• Descriptive abstract
• Informative abstract
• Highlight abstract

1. Critical abstract

A critical abstract in a research proposal describes the primary findings and gives a solid judgment on the validity, completeness, and reliability of the study. It’s your responsibility as a researcher to evaluate your work and then compare it with already existing work on the same subject.

Because a critical abstract includes an additional commentary, it tends to longer. Often, the length falls between 400 and 500 words. However, do keep in mind that this type of an abstract is very are, which means your instructor may never ask you to write a critical abstract for your research proposal.

2. Highlight Abstract

A highlight abstract is a piece of writing that can’t stand independent of its associated document. It uses incomplete and leading remarks, with the primary goal of grabbing the attention of the reader to the study.

Professors have made it clear that a highlight abstract is not by itself a true abstract to use in a research proposal. Since it cannot stand on its away separate from the associated article, it’s unlikely that your teacher will ask you to use it in academic writing.

3. Descriptive abstract

A descriptive abstract gives a short description of the research proposal. It may include purpose, method, and the scope of the research, and it’s often 100 words or less in length. Some people consider it to be an outline of the research proposal rather than an actual abstract for the document.

While a descriptive abstract describes the type of information a reader will find in a research proposal, it neither critics the work nor provides results and conclusion of the study.

4. Informative Abstract

Many abstracts in academic writing are informative. They don’t analyze the study or investigation that you propose, but they explain a research project in a way that they can stand independently. In other words, an informative abstract gives an explanation for the main arguments, evidence, and significant results.

In addition to featuring purpose, method, and scope, an informative abstract also include the results, conclusion, as well as the recommendation of the author. As for the length, an informative abstract should not be more than 300 words.

How to Write an Abstract for a Research Proposal

Of the four type of abstracts that we’ve discussed above, an informative abstract is what you’ll need to write in your research proposal. Writing an abstract for a research proposal isn’t difficult at all. You only need to know what to write and how to write it, and you’re good to get started.

1. Write in Active Voice

First, use active voice when writing an abstract for your research proposal. However, this doesn’t mean you should avoid passive voice in entirety. If you find that some sentences can’t make sense unless with passive sentence construction, feel free to bend this rule somewhat.

Second, make sure your sentences are concise and complete. Refrain from using ambiguous words. Keep the language simple instead.

Lastly, never use present or future tense to write an abstract for a research proposal. You’re reporting a study that you’ve already conducted and therefore writing in past sense makes the most sense.

Your abstract should come immediately after the title page. Write in block format without paragraph indentations. The abstract should not be more than 300 words long and the page should not have a number. The word “Abstract” in your research proposal should be center aligned in the page, unless otherwise stated.

In addition to these formatting rules, the last sentence of your abstract should summarize the application to practice or the conclusions of your study. In the case where it seems appropriate, you might want follow this by statement that suggests a need for additional research.

3. Time to Write the Abstract

There are no hard rules on when to write an abstract for a research proposal. Some students choose to write the section first while others choose to write it last. We strongly recommend that you write the abstract last because it’s a summary of the whole paper. You can also write it in the beginning if you’ve already outlined your draft and know what you want to talk about even before you start writing.

Your informative abstract is subject to frequent changes as you work on your paper, and that holds whether you write the section first or last. Be flexible and tweak this part of the assignment as necessary. Also, make sure you report statistical findings in parentheses.

Read abstract to be sure the summary of the study agrees with what you’ve written in your proposal. As we mentioned earlier, this section is subject to change depending on the direction your research takes. So make sure you identify and correct any anomalies if any.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Abstract for Research Proposal

To wind up this guide, here are some of the most common mistakes that you should avoid when writing an abstract for your research proposal:

• Avoid giving a lengthy background
• Don’t include citations to other people’s work
• An abstract shouldn’t include a table, figure, image, or any kind of illustration
• Don’t include terms that are difficult to understand

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Definition and Purpose of Abstracts

An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple purposes:

• an abstract lets readers get the gist or essence of your paper or article quickly, in order to decide whether to read the full paper;
• an abstract prepares readers to follow the detailed information, analyses, and arguments in your full paper;
• and, later, an abstract helps readers remember key points from your paper.

It’s also worth remembering that search engines and bibliographic databases use abstracts, as well as the title, to identify key terms for indexing your published paper. So what you include in your abstract and in your title are crucial for helping other researchers find your paper or article.

If you are writing an abstract for a course paper, your professor may give you specific guidelines for what to include and how to organize your abstract. Similarly, academic journals often have specific requirements for abstracts. So in addition to following the advice on this page, you should be sure to look for and follow any guidelines from the course or journal you’re writing for.

The Contents of an Abstract

Abstracts contain most of the following kinds of information in brief form. The body of your paper will, of course, develop and explain these ideas much more fully. As you will see in the samples below, the proportion of your abstract that you devote to each kind of information—and the sequence of that information—will vary, depending on the nature and genre of the paper that you are summarizing in your abstract. And in some cases, some of this information is implied, rather than stated explicitly. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , which is widely used in the social sciences, gives specific guidelines for what to include in the abstract for different kinds of papers—for empirical studies, literature reviews or meta-analyses, theoretical papers, methodological papers, and case studies.

Here are the typical kinds of information found in most abstracts:

• the context or background information for your research; the general topic under study; the specific topic of your research
• the central questions or statement of the problem your research addresses
• what’s already known about this question, what previous research has done or shown
• the main reason(s) , the exigency, the rationale , the goals for your research—Why is it important to address these questions? Are you, for example, examining a new topic? Why is that topic worth examining? Are you filling a gap in previous research? Applying new methods to take a fresh look at existing ideas or data? Resolving a dispute within the literature in your field? . . .
• your research and/or analytical methods
• your main findings , results , or arguments
• the significance or implications of your findings or arguments.

Your abstract should be intelligible on its own, without a reader’s having to read your entire paper. And in an abstract, you usually do not cite references—most of your abstract will describe what you have studied in your research and what you have found and what you argue in your paper. In the body of your paper, you will cite the specific literature that informs your research.

When to Write Your Abstract

Although you might be tempted to write your abstract first because it will appear as the very first part of your paper, it’s a good idea to wait to write your abstract until after you’ve drafted your full paper, so that you know what you’re summarizing.

What follows are some sample abstracts in published papers or articles, all written by faculty at UW-Madison who come from a variety of disciplines. We have annotated these samples to help you see the work that these authors are doing within their abstracts.

Choosing Verb Tenses within Your Abstract

The social science sample (Sample 1) below uses the present tense to describe general facts and interpretations that have been and are currently true, including the prevailing explanation for the social phenomenon under study. That abstract also uses the present tense to describe the methods, the findings, the arguments, and the implications of the findings from their new research study. The authors use the past tense to describe previous research.

The humanities sample (Sample 2) below uses the past tense to describe completed events in the past (the texts created in the pulp fiction industry in the 1970s and 80s) and uses the present tense to describe what is happening in those texts, to explain the significance or meaning of those texts, and to describe the arguments presented in the article.

The science samples (Samples 3 and 4) below use the past tense to describe what previous research studies have done and the research the authors have conducted, the methods they have followed, and what they have found. In their rationale or justification for their research (what remains to be done), they use the present tense. They also use the present tense to introduce their study (in Sample 3, “Here we report . . .”) and to explain the significance of their study (In Sample 3, This reprogramming . . . “provides a scalable cell source for. . .”).

Sample Abstract 1

From the social sciences.

Reporting new findings about the reasons for increasing economic homogamy among spouses

Gonalons-Pons, Pilar, and Christine R. Schwartz. “Trends in Economic Homogamy: Changes in Assortative Mating or the Division of Labor in Marriage?” Demography , vol. 54, no. 3, 2017, pp. 985-1005.

Sample Abstract 2

From the humanities.

Analyzing underground pulp fiction publications in Tanzania, this article makes an argument about the cultural significance of those publications

Emily Callaci. “Street Textuality: Socialism, Masculinity, and Urban Belonging in Tanzania’s Pulp Fiction Publishing Industry, 1975-1985.” Comparative Studies in Society and History , vol. 59, no. 1, 2017, pp. 183-210.

Sample Abstract/Summary 3

From the sciences.

Reporting a new method for reprogramming adult mouse fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells

Lalit, Pratik A., Max R. Salick, Daryl O. Nelson, Jayne M. Squirrell, Christina M. Shafer, Neel G. Patel, Imaan Saeed, Eric G. Schmuck, Yogananda S. Markandeya, Rachel Wong, Martin R. Lea, Kevin W. Eliceiri, Timothy A. Hacker, Wendy C. Crone, Michael Kyba, Daniel J. Garry, Ron Stewart, James A. Thomson, Karen M. Downs, Gary E. Lyons, and Timothy J. Kamp. “Lineage Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Proliferative Induced Cardiac Progenitor Cells by Defined Factors.” Cell Stem Cell , vol. 18, 2016, pp. 354-367.

Sample Abstract 4, a Structured Abstract

Reporting results about the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis, from a rigorously controlled study

Note: This journal requires authors to organize their abstract into four specific sections, with strict word limits. Because the headings for this structured abstract are self-explanatory, we have chosen not to add annotations to this sample abstract.

Wald, Ellen R., David Nash, and Jens Eickhoff. “Effectiveness of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children.” Pediatrics , vol. 124, no. 1, 2009, pp. 9-15.

“OBJECTIVE: The role of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in children is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of high-dose amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate in the treatment of children diagnosed with ABS.

METHODS : This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Children 1 to 10 years of age with a clinical presentation compatible with ABS were eligible for participation. Patients were stratified according to age (<6 or ≥6 years) and clinical severity and randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (90 mg/kg) with potassium clavulanate (6.4 mg/kg) or placebo. A symptom survey was performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 30. Patients were examined on day 14. Children’s conditions were rated as cured, improved, or failed according to scoring rules.

RESULTS: Two thousand one hundred thirty-five children with respiratory complaints were screened for enrollment; 139 (6.5%) had ABS. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, and 56 were randomly assigned. The mean age was 6630 months. Fifty (89%) patients presented with persistent symptoms, and 6 (11%) presented with nonpersistent symptoms. In 24 (43%) children, the illness was classified as mild, whereas in the remaining 32 (57%) children it was severe. Of the 28 children who received the antibiotic, 14 (50%) were cured, 4 (14%) were improved, 4(14%) experienced treatment failure, and 6 (21%) withdrew. Of the 28children who received placebo, 4 (14%) were cured, 5 (18%) improved, and 19 (68%) experienced treatment failure. Children receiving the antibiotic were more likely to be cured (50% vs 14%) and less likely to have treatment failure (14% vs 68%) than children receiving the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS : ABS is a common complication of viral upper respiratory infections. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate results in significantly more cures and fewer failures than placebo, according to parental report of time to resolution.” (9)

Some Excellent Advice about Writing Abstracts for Basic Science Research Papers, by Professor Adriano Aguzzi from the Institute of Neuropathology at the University of Zurich:

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APA Abstract (2020) | Formatting, Length, and Keywords

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on January 17, 2024.

An APA abstract is a comprehensive summary of your paper in which you briefly address the research problem , hypotheses , methods , results , and implications of your research. It’s placed on a separate page right after the title page and is usually no longer than 250 words.

Most professional papers that are submitted for publication require an abstract. Student papers typically don’t need an abstract, unless instructed otherwise.

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Table of contents

How to format the abstract, how to write an apa abstract, which keywords to use, frequently asked questions, apa abstract example.

Formatting instructions

Follow these five steps to format your abstract in APA Style:

• Insert a running head (for a professional paper—not needed for a student paper) and page number.
• Set page margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm).
• Write “Abstract” (bold and centered) at the top of the page.
• Do not indent the first line.
• Double-space the text.
• Use a legible font like Times New Roman (12 pt.).
• Limit the length to 250 words.
• Indent the first line 0.5 inches.
• Write the label “Keywords:” (italicized).
• Write keywords in lowercase letters.
• Separate keywords with commas.
• Do not use a period after the keywords.

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The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

• Missing commas and periods
• Incorrect usage of “et al.”
• Ampersands (&) in narrative citations
• Missing reference entries

The abstract is a self-contained piece of text that informs the reader what your research is about. It’s best to write the abstract after you’re finished with the rest of your paper.

The questions below may help structure your abstract. Try answering them in one to three sentences each.

• What is the problem? Outline the objective, research questions , and/or hypotheses .
• What has been done? Explain your research methods .
• What did you discover? Summarize the key findings and conclusions .
• What do the findings mean? Summarize the discussion and recommendations .

Check out our guide on how to write an abstract for more guidance and an annotated example.

Guide: writing an abstract

At the end of the abstract, you may include a few keywords that will be used for indexing if your paper is published on a database. Listing your keywords will help other researchers find your work.

Choosing relevant keywords is essential. Try to identify keywords that address your topic, method, or population. APA recommends including three to five keywords.

An abstract is a concise summary of an academic text (such as a journal article or dissertation ). It serves two main purposes:

• To help potential readers determine the relevance of your paper for their own research.
• To communicate your key findings to those who don’t have time to read the whole paper.

Abstracts are often indexed along with keywords on academic databases, so they make your work more easily findable. Since the abstract is the first thing any reader sees, it’s important that it clearly and accurately summarizes the contents of your paper.

An APA abstract is around 150–250 words long. However, always check your target journal’s guidelines and don’t exceed the specified word count.

In an APA Style paper , the abstract is placed on a separate page after the title page (page 2).

Avoid citing sources in your abstract . There are two reasons for this:

• The abstract should focus on your original research, not on the work of others.
• The abstract should be self-contained and fully understandable without reference to other sources.

There are some circumstances where you might need to mention other sources in an abstract: for example, if your research responds directly to another study or focuses on the work of a single theorist. In general, though, don’t include citations unless absolutely necessary.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, January 17). APA Abstract (2020) | Formatting, Length, and Keywords. Scribbr. Retrieved April 10, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-abstract/

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An abstract summarizes, usually in one paragraph of 300 words or less, the major aspects of the entire paper in a prescribed sequence that includes: 1) the overall purpose of the study and the research problem(s) you investigated; 2) the basic design of the study; 3) major findings or trends found as a result of your analysis; and, 4) a brief summary of your interpretations and conclusions.

Writing an Abstract. The Writing Center. Clarion University, 2009; Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper. The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison; Koltay, Tibor. Abstracts and Abstracting: A Genre and Set of Skills for the Twenty-first Century . Oxford, UK: Chandos Publishing, 2010;

Importance of a Good Abstract

Sometimes your professor will ask you to include an abstract, or general summary of your work, with your research paper. The abstract allows you to elaborate upon each major aspect of the paper and helps readers decide whether they want to read the rest of the paper. Therefore, enough key information [e.g., summary results, observations, trends, etc.] must be included to make the abstract useful to someone who may want to examine your work.

How do you know when you have enough information in your abstract? A simple rule-of-thumb is to imagine that you are another researcher doing a similar study. Then ask yourself: if your abstract was the only part of the paper you could access, would you be happy with the amount of information presented there? Does it tell the whole story about your study? If the answer is "no" then the abstract likely needs to be revised.

Farkas, David K. “A Scheme for Understanding and Writing Summaries.” Technical Communication 67 (August 2020): 45-60;  How to Write a Research Abstract. Office of Undergraduate Research. University of Kentucky; Staiger, David L. “What Today’s Students Need to Know about Writing Abstracts.” International Journal of Business Communication January 3 (1966): 29-33; Swales, John M. and Christine B. Feak. Abstracts and the Writing of Abstracts . Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 2009.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  Types of Abstracts

To begin, you need to determine which type of abstract you should include with your paper. There are four general types.

Critical Abstract A critical abstract provides, in addition to describing main findings and information, a judgment or comment about the study’s validity, reliability, or completeness. The researcher evaluates the paper and often compares it with other works on the same subject. Critical abstracts are generally 400-500 words in length due to the additional interpretive commentary. These types of abstracts are used infrequently.

Descriptive Abstract A descriptive abstract indicates the type of information found in the work. It makes no judgments about the work, nor does it provide results or conclusions of the research. It does incorporate key words found in the text and may include the purpose, methods, and scope of the research. Essentially, the descriptive abstract only describes the work being summarized. Some researchers consider it an outline of the work, rather than a summary. Descriptive abstracts are usually very short, 100 words or less. Informative Abstract The majority of abstracts are informative. While they still do not critique or evaluate a work, they do more than describe it. A good informative abstract acts as a surrogate for the work itself. That is, the researcher presents and explains all the main arguments and the important results and evidence in the paper. An informative abstract includes the information that can be found in a descriptive abstract [purpose, methods, scope] but it also includes the results and conclusions of the research and the recommendations of the author. The length varies according to discipline, but an informative abstract is usually no more than 300 words in length.

Highlight Abstract A highlight abstract is specifically written to attract the reader’s attention to the study. No pretense is made of there being either a balanced or complete picture of the paper and, in fact, incomplete and leading remarks may be used to spark the reader’s interest. In that a highlight abstract cannot stand independent of its associated article, it is not a true abstract and, therefore, rarely used in academic writing.

II.  Writing Style

Use the active voice when possible , but note that much of your abstract may require passive sentence constructions. Regardless, write your abstract using concise, but complete, sentences. Get to the point quickly and always use the past tense because you are reporting on a study that has been completed.

Abstracts should be formatted as a single paragraph in a block format and with no paragraph indentations. In most cases, the abstract page immediately follows the title page. Do not number the page. Rules set forth in writing manual vary but, in general, you should center the word "Abstract" at the top of the page with double spacing between the heading and the abstract. The final sentences of an abstract concisely summarize your study’s conclusions, implications, or applications to practice and, if appropriate, can be followed by a statement about the need for additional research revealed from the findings.

Composing Your Abstract

Although it is the first section of your paper, the abstract should be written last since it will summarize the contents of your entire paper. A good strategy to begin composing your abstract is to take whole sentences or key phrases from each section of the paper and put them in a sequence that summarizes the contents. Then revise or add connecting phrases or words to make the narrative flow clearly and smoothly. Note that statistical findings should be reported parenthetically [i.e., written in parentheses].

Before handing in your final paper, check to make sure that the information in the abstract completely agrees with what you have written in the paper. Think of the abstract as a sequential set of complete sentences describing the most crucial information using the fewest necessary words. The abstract SHOULD NOT contain:

• A catchy introductory phrase, provocative quote, or other device to grab the reader's attention,
• Lengthy background or contextual information,
• Redundant phrases, unnecessary adverbs and adjectives, and repetitive information;
• Acronyms or abbreviations,
• References to other literature [say something like, "current research shows that..." or "studies have indicated..."],
• Using ellipticals [i.e., ending with "..."] or incomplete sentences,
• Jargon or terms that may be confusing to the reader,
• Citations to other works, and
• Any sort of image, illustration, figure, or table, or references to them.

Abstract. Writing Center. University of Kansas; Abstract. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College; Abstracts. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Borko, Harold and Seymour Chatman. "Criteria for Acceptable Abstracts: A Survey of Abstracters' Instructions." American Documentation 14 (April 1963): 149-160; Abstracts. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Hartley, James and Lucy Betts. "Common Weaknesses in Traditional Abstracts in the Social Sciences." Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology 60 (October 2009): 2010-2018; Koltay, Tibor. Abstracts and Abstracting: A Genre and Set of Skills for the Twenty-first Century. Oxford, UK: Chandos Publishing, 2010; Procter, Margaret. The Abstract. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Riordan, Laura. “Mastering the Art of Abstracts.” The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association 115 (January 2015 ): 41-47; Writing Report Abstracts. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Writing Abstracts. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Koltay, Tibor. Abstracts and Abstracting: A Genre and Set of Skills for the Twenty-First Century . Oxford, UK: 2010; Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper. The Writing Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Writing Tip

Never Cite Just the Abstract!

Citing to just a journal article's abstract does not confirm for the reader that you have conducted a thorough or reliable review of the literature. If the full-text is not available, go to the USC Libraries main page and enter the title of the article [NOT the title of the journal]. If the Libraries have a subscription to the journal, the article should appear with a link to the full-text or to the journal publisher page where you can get the article. If the article does not appear, try searching Google Scholar using the link on the USC Libraries main page. If you still can't find the article after doing this, contact a librarian or you can request it from our free i nterlibrary loan and document delivery service .

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Expedite peer review, increase search-ability, and set the tone for your study

The abstract is your chance to let your readers know what they can expect from your article. Learn how to write a clear, and concise abstract that will keep your audience reading.

How your abstract impacts editorial evaluation and future readership

After the title , the abstract is the second-most-read part of your article. A good abstract can help to expedite peer review and, if your article is accepted for publication, it’s an important tool for readers to find and evaluate your work. Editors use your abstract when they first assess your article. Prospective reviewers see it when they decide whether to accept an invitation to review. Once published, the abstract gets indexed in PubMed and Google Scholar , as well as library systems and other popular databases. Like the title, your abstract influences keyword search results. Readers will use it to decide whether to read the rest of your article. Other researchers will use it to evaluate your work for inclusion in systematic reviews and meta-analysis. It should be a concise standalone piece that accurately represents your research. 

What to include in an abstract

The main challenge you’ll face when writing your abstract is keeping it concise AND fitting in all the information you need. Depending on your subject area the journal may require a structured abstract following specific headings. A structured abstract helps your readers understand your study more easily. If your journal doesn’t require a structured abstract it’s still a good idea to follow a similar format, just present the abstract as one paragraph without headings. 

Background or Introduction – What is currently known? Start with a brief, 2 or 3 sentence, introduction to the research area. 

Objectives or Aims – What is the study and why did you do it? Clearly state the research question you’re trying to answer.

Methods – What did you do? Explain what you did and how you did it. Include important information about your methods, but avoid the low-level specifics. Some disciplines have specific requirements for abstract methods. 

• CONSORT for randomized trials.
• STROBE for observational studies
• PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Results – What did you find? Briefly give the key findings of your study. Include key numeric data (including confidence intervals or p values), where possible.

Conclusions – What did you conclude? Tell the reader why your findings matter, and what this could mean for the ‘bigger picture’ of this area of research. 

Writing tips

The main challenge you may find when writing your abstract is keeping it concise AND convering all the information you need to.

• Keep it concise and to the point. Most journals have a maximum word count, so check guidelines before you write the abstract to save time editing it later.
• Write for your audience. Are they specialists in your specific field? Are they cross-disciplinary? Are they non-specialists? If you’re writing for a general audience, or your research could be of interest to the public keep your language as straightforward as possible. If you’re writing in English, do remember that not all of your readers will necessarily be native English speakers.
• Focus on key results, conclusions and take home messages.
• Write your paper first, then create the abstract as a summary.
• Check the journal requirements before you write your abstract, eg. required subheadings.
• Include keywords or phrases to help readers search for your work in indexing databases like PubMed or Google Scholar.
• Double and triple check your abstract for spelling and grammar errors. These kind of errors can give potential reviewers the impression that your research isn’t sound, and can make it easier to find reviewers who accept the invitation to review your manuscript. Your abstract should be a taste of what is to come in the rest of your article.

Don’t

• Sensationalize your research.
• Speculate about where this research might lead in the future.
• Use abbreviations or acronyms (unless absolutely necessary or unless they’re widely known, eg. DNA).
• Repeat yourself unnecessarily, eg. “Methods: We used X technique. Results: Using X technique, we found…”
• Contradict anything in the rest of your manuscript.
• Include content that isn’t also covered in the main manuscript.
• Include citations or references.

Tip: How to edit your work

Editing is challenging, especially if you are acting as both a writer and an editor. Read our guidelines for advice on how to refine your work, including useful tips for setting your intentions, re-review, and consultation with colleagues.

• How to Write a Great Title
• How to Write Your Methods
• How to Report Statistics
• How to Write Discussions and Conclusions
• How to Edit Your Work

The contents of the Peer Review Center are also available as a live, interactive training session, complete with slides, talking points, and activities. …

The contents of the Writing Center are also available as a live, interactive training session, complete with slides, talking points, and activities. …

There’s a lot to consider when deciding where to submit your work. Learn how to choose a journal that will help your study reach its audience, while reflecting your values as a researcher…

Mastering Project Abstracts - The Ultimate Guide | Grantboost

When it comes to research, grant proposals, and academic writing, project abstracts play a crucial role in summarizing the key elements of a proposal or research paper. However, many nonprofit grant writers, students and researchers often struggle to understand their meaning and purpose. We’ll explore what project abstracts are, why they are important, and provide an example to give you an idea.

Project Abstract Meaning

• How Long Should a Project Abstract Be?
• Why Are Project Abstracts Important?

Elements of a Good Project Abstract

Proposal abstract example, using ai to generate project abstracts.

A project abstract is a brief summary of a research project or proposal that outlines the main objectives, methods, and expected outcomes. It is typically the first section of a research paper or grant proposal and is designed to give readers a clear idea of what the project is about without having to read the entire document. Merriam-Webster defines an abstract as something that summarizes or concentrates the essentials of a larger thing or several things .

How Long Should Project Abstracts Be?

The length of a project abstract can vary depending on the requirements of the specific project or proposal. They are meant to be persuasive, but it’s best practice for an abstract to be concise and to the point.

It’s important to keep in mind that grant reviewers often have a lot of proposals to read and evaluate, so brevity and clarity are key.

As a general guideline, a project abstract should be between 150-250 words or one page in length. This length should be sufficient to convey the essential information about the project and its significance, without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. Carefully review the guidelines of each grant application and tailor the length of the project abstract accordingly.

Why are Project Abstracts Important?

Project abstracts serve a variety of important functions in grant writing. Firstly, they help to ensure that the project and/or proposal is clearly defined and that the objectives and expected outcomes are communicated effectively. This is particularly important when applying for grants or funding, as the abstract is often the first thing that reviewers will read.

In addition, project abstracts provide readers with a quick overview of the research topic and can help them to determine whether the project is relevant to their own work or interests. This can be particularly useful for grant proposal reviewers who are conducting dozens of reviews and trying to identify potential collaborators.

Finally, project abstracts can be used to promote the project or proposal to a wider audience. For example, they can be used in conference programs or on websites to promote the project and attract potential collaborators or funders.

A good project abstract is essential to any successful grant application or research proposal. It is the first thing that reviewers or potential collaborators will read, and it plays a crucial role in determining whether or not they will continue to read on. To write a compelling project abstract, it is important to answer the core questions that reviewers will have about your project.

According to Yale’s Center for Teaching and Learning a good project abstract answers these 4 questions.

1. What do you intend to do? 2. Why is the work important? 3. What has already been done? 4. How are you going to do the work?

The first question that a project abstract should seek to answer is: what do you intend to do? This question relates to the overarching problem that your project seeks to address and the background context around it. It is important to clearly articulate the aims and objectives of your project in the abstract, and to do so in a way that is concise and easy to understand. Ideally, the aims and objectives should be framed in a way that highlights the novelty and impact of your project.

The second question that a project abstract should address is: why is the work important? This question relates to the broader context of your research, and should explain why your project is relevant and timely. It is important to demonstrate the potential impact of your research, and to show how it relates to current trends or challenges in your field. This can be achieved by providing a brief overview of the state of the art in your area of research, and by highlighting the potential implications of your work for both theoretical understanding and practical application.

The third question that a project abstract should answer is: what has already been done? This question relates to the background and context of your research, and should demonstrate that you have a good understanding of the existing literature and research in your field. It is important to show how your project builds upon existing work, and to highlight any gaps or limitations in the current understanding of the problem that your research aims to address. This can be achieved by providing a brief overview of the relevant literature and research, and by highlighting any key findings or insights that your project aims to contribute.

The final question that a project abstract should seek to answer is: how are you going to do the work? This question relates to the methodology and approach that you will use to carry out your research. It is important to provide a clear and concise overview of the methods and techniques that you will use to collect and analyze data, and to explain how these methods are appropriate for addressing the research question or problem that you have identified. It is also important to highlight any potential challenges or limitations in your methodology, and to explain how you plan to address these challenges.

In addition to answering these core questions, a good project abstract should also be well-written and well-structured. It should be concise and to-the-point, while still providing enough detail to give reviewers a clear understanding of your project. It should also be free of jargon or technical language that might be difficult for non-specialists to understand.

To help ensure that your project abstract is effective and compelling, it can be useful to seek feedback from colleagues or mentors in your field. They can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of your abstract, and can help you to refine your message and improve your writing. By taking the time to craft a well-written and compelling project abstract, you can increase your chances of securing funding, attracting collaborators, and making a significant contribution to your field of research. If you’re a small nonprofit, reach out to our team for free feedbcack on your proposal.

To help illustrate the key elements of a project abstract, let’s look at an example of a research proposal abstract, courtesy of our friends at Yale:

Global warming is arguably one of the most pressing concerns of our time. However, we lack an effective model to predict precisely by how much the temperature will rise as a consequence of the increased levels of CO2 and other factors.

The width of this range is due to several uncertainties in different elements of the climate models, including the variability in the Sun’s rate of energy output.

To gain greater insight into the relationship between solar energy output and global temperature, we propose to launch the internationally led ABC satellite in April 2018.

Our aim is to collect for 2 years data on the solar diameter and shape, oscillations, and photospheric temperature variation. We will assess these data to model solar variability. Our findings will dramatically advance our understanding of solar activity and its climate effects.

Source: Yale’s Teaching and Learning Center

In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have revolutionized the way we approach proposal writing. AI-powered tools can help writers to automate repetitive tasks, generate ideas, and even write content from scratch. These “AI Grants” are powered by tools and companies that specialize in the writing process. One such tool is Grantboost, a company that specializes in using AI to help researchers and grant writers to write project abstracts more efficiently. Another tool with more broad use cases is ChatGPT.

Grantboost uses Generative AI to take in information about the grant opportunity and information about the problem being solved to create custom proejct abstracts based on the the specific needs of the researcher or grant writer.

One of the key benefits of using an AI-powered tool like Grantboost or ChatGPT is that it can save writers a significant amount of time and effort. Writing a project abstract can be a time-consuming and challenging process, particularly for those who are not experienced in academic writing. When asking for funding, the language being used in the abstract is incredibly important. If you’re not experienced in technical writing or fundraising, it can be a big challenge just to understand what a good proposal looks like. By using an AI-powered tool like Grantboost, writers can generate a high-quality project abstract in a matter of minutes, rather than spending hours focusing on just trying to get the language and tone right.

In addition, using an AI-powered tool can help to ensure that the project abstract is of high quality and meets the requirements of the funding agency or academic institution. Grantboost’s takes in information about the Grant opportunity to make sure that the abstract is aligned with the priorities of the Funder. This means that the project abstract generated by the tool is more likely to be successful in securing funding or attracting attention from potential collaborators.

Of course, it is important to note that using an AI-powered tool to write a project abstract does not mean that the writer can simply sit back and let the tool do all the work. The writer still needs to provide input and guidance to the tool to ensure that the project abstract accurately reflects the research project or proposal. This might involve inputting key information such as the research question, methodology, and expected outcomes, as well as providing feedback on the generated project abstract and making any necessary revisions.

In conclusion, AI-powered tools like Grantboost can be a valuable resource for writers who are looking to streamline the process of writing project abstracts. By using machine learning to generate successful grant proposals and research abstracts, these tools can generate high-quality project abstracts in a matter of minutes, saving writers time and effort. However, it is important to note that these tools should be used in conjunction with human input and guidance to ensure that the project abstract accurately reflects the research project or proposal. By combining the power of AI with human expertise, writers can produce project abstracts that are both efficient and effective.

Project abstracts are an important component of academic writing that provide a brief summary of a research project or proposal. They serve to define the project, communicate objectives and expected outcomes, and can be used to promote the research to a wider audience. By understanding the key elements of a project abstract, researchers and students can ensure that their work is effectively communicated and stands out in a crowded field of academic writing.

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The project abstract generator is a powerful tool that will help you create compelling abstracts for your grant proposals in just a few clicks. No more struggling to find the right words or spending hours writing and rewriting. With Grantboost, you’ll have everything you need to make a real difference in your community.

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How to Write an Abstract for a Proposal

A proposal paper sets out your reasoning for the study, justifies the research and explains your intended methods. Dissertations and other graduate-level research often require proposals, or you may create one to apply for grant money. An abstract summarizes the information in the proposal. An effective abstract can make the difference between a positive or negative response to the proposal.

Write About the Introduction and Problem

A strong abstract touches on all the sections in the proposal, including the introduction, where you should give some information about the issue and why you chose it. While you do not want to go into detail about the problem, you need to state what issue your project will address, such as the high dropout rate for sophomores at a college. If you find you cannot focus your abstract on a single problem, your research may be too broad.

Summarize the Background and Focus

A proposal identifies a reason for the project, so the abstract also needs to establish how this project fulfills a need. You may indicate how your plan differs from previous research or fills a void in past research while summarizing information included in the literature review portion of your paper. Include a brief explanation of the project's objectives, the research or other material you will rely on in the paper and in your proposed thesis.

Explain the Methods and Conclusions

The abstract should include some general information about the procedures for your project. Explain if you will use qualitative, quantitative or mixed measures and why. What type of sample and procedures will you use to obtain your data? Add a sentence at the end of the abstract to indicate the conclusion you expect to draw from the project and the implications of the results, which will create a sense of closure for the document. Remember, the abstract is a summary of material in the paper, so only include information in the abstract that will also appear in the actual paper.

Follow Proper Formatting

First person point of view -- "I" and "my" -- are usually acceptable in APA proposals, but you should double check your field's style guide. After finishing a draft, revise your abstract to create concise language, keeping the abstract to a maximum of 250 words. Find examples of acceptable abstracts from your field and institution to use as models. If you write the abstract before finishing the proposal, review it once you have completed the paper to make sure the abstract summarizes the ideas you have presented. Insert a page break after the title page and place the abstract there, including the running head and page number in the header.

• University of Utah: How to Write a Graduate Proposal
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Writing Tips: How to Write an Abstract
• Rochester Institute of Technology: Writing a Successful Proposal
• University of Oregon: How to Write a Proposal Abstract
• Chapman University: How to Write an Abstract
• Purdue University: APA Stylistics: Basics
• Purdue University: General Format

Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.

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Research Tips and Infromation

How to Write Effective Research Grant Proposal Abstract?

Introduction

Research methodology and approach, key findings or results, significance and potential impact of the proposed research, title: developing a deep learning model for computer vision-based gesture recognition, phrasal verbs that can be used to write an effective research grant proposal, how long should a research grant proposal abstract be.

• "Significance and potential impact" Section of a Research Grant Proposal Abstract?

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Writing a Research Grant Proposal Abstract

How can i make my research grant proposal abstract stand out, tailoring your research grant proposal abstract for a specific funding agency, difference between a research grant proposal abstract and a research paper abstract, feedback on my research grant proposal abstract.

A research grant proposal abstract is a brief summary of a research proposal that provides an overview of the proposed project’s objectives, methods, results, and potential impact. It is often the first part of the proposal that reviewers will read and serves as a key factor in determining whether a grant proposal is accepted or rejected.

Writing a clear and concise abstract is important because it helps reviewers quickly and easily understand the proposed research project’s main objectives, approach, and potential impact. A well-written abstract can also help to catch the attention of reviewers and encourage them to read the full proposal, increasing the chances of funding success.

Components of a Research Grant Proposal Abstract

The research question or problem should be clearly and succinctly stated in the abstract, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the scope and purpose of the proposed research. This description should highlight the novelty, importance, or relevance of the research question.

For example: “This research proposal aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity and mental health outcomes in adolescents with a focus on exploring the role of community-based interventions.”

The abstract should provide a brief description of the research methodology and approach, highlighting the key elements of the proposed research design. This section should provide enough information to help the reader understand the proposed research methodology and approach.

For example: “The proposed study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, consisting of a randomized controlled trial and qualitative interviews to explore the impact of a community-based physical activity program on mental health outcomes in adolescents.”

If the research proposal involves a pilot study or preliminary data, the abstract may summarize the key findings or results. This summary should be brief and provide an overview of the expected outcomes or results of the proposed research.

For example: “Preliminary data from a small pilot study suggests that community-based physical activity interventions may be effective in improving mental health outcomes in adolescents. The proposed study aims to build upon these findings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of such interventions.”

The abstract should conclude with a brief explanation of the significance and potential impact of the proposed research. This section should highlight the potential contributions of the proposed research to the research field and its broader implications for society.

For example: “This research has the potential to inform the development of community-based physical activity interventions for adolescents, with implications for improving mental health outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. Additionally, this study may inform policies related to physical activity and mental health in adolescents.”

Tips for Writing an Effective Research Grant Proposal Abstract

Keep the abstract clear, concise, and specific: The abstract should be written in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary detail or repetition. The language should be specific and focused on the key elements of the proposed research.

Use plain language and avoid technical jargon: The abstract should be written in plain language, avoiding complex technical terminology that may be difficult for readers outside of the field to understand. Technical terms should be defined and explained in simple language.

Focus on the most important aspects of the research proposal : The abstract should focus on the most important elements of the proposed research project, including the research question or problem, methodology, and potential impact. Other details that are not essential to the understanding of the proposed research can be left out of the abstract.

Highlight the unique contributions of the proposed research : The abstract should emphasize the unique contributions of the proposed research, highlighting what sets it apart from other research projects in the field. This can include innovative methodologies, novel research questions, or the potential to fill gaps in the existing research.

Emphasize the potential benefits to society or the research field: The abstract should emphasize the potential benefits of the proposed research to society or the research field, including its potential impact on public health, policy, or clinical practice. This can help to make the research proposal more compelling to funders.

Be sure to follow any specific guidelines or requirements for the grant proposal abstract: The abstract should be written in accordance with any specific guidelines or requirements provided by the funding agency or organization. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in rejection of the proposal.

Example of a Research Grant Proposal Abstract

Introduction: This research grant proposal abstract outlines a project to develop a deep learning model for computer vision-based gesture recognition. The proposed research addresses the growing need for more accurate and reliable gesture recognition technologies for applications in human-computer interaction, virtual reality, and robotics.

Components of a research grant proposal abstract : This research proposal will involve developing and evaluating a deep learning model that can accurately recognize and interpret hand gestures captured by a camera. The research methodology will involve collecting and analyzing data on hand gestures, training and testing the deep learning model using various algorithms and evaluating the model’s accuracy and efficiency. The key findings of the proposed research will be a deep learning model that can accurately recognize hand gestures and an understanding of the key features that are most important in training such a model. The significance and potential impact of the proposed research include improving the accuracy and reliability of gesture recognition technologies, enabling more efficient and natural human-computer interaction, and advancing the fields of virtual reality and robotics.

Here are some examples of phrasal verbs that can be used to write an effective research grant proposal abstract:

Note that these are just a few examples and there are many other phrasal verbs that can be used to effectively convey the purpose and goals of a research grant proposal.

The length of a research grant proposal abstract can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by the funding agency or grant opportunity. In general, most research grant proposal abstracts should be around 250 to 300 words or less.

However, it’s important to follow the specific instructions provided by the funding agency, which may specify a different word limit or even a specific format or structure for the abstract. It’s important to make sure that the abstract is clear, concise, and includes all the necessary information to give a clear overview of the proposed research project.

“Significance and potential impact” Section of a Research Grant Proposal Abstract?

The “significance and potential impact” section of a research grant proposal abstract should describe why the proposed research project is important and what potential benefits it could have for society or the research field. This section should convince the funding agency that the proposed research is worth funding.

Some key points that can be included in this section are:

• The significance of the research question or problem being addressed, including any gaps in existing knowledge or areas where further research is needed.
• The potential impact of the proposed research, both in terms of advancing scientific understanding and in terms of practical applications or benefits to society.
• Any potential risks or challenges associated with the research project, and how these will be addressed.
• The broader implications of the proposed research for the research field or related fields, including any potential for future research or applications.

Overall, this section should demonstrate the importance and potential impact of the proposed research project, and why it is a worthwhile investment for the funding agency.

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a research grant proposal abstract:

• Failing to follow the guidelines: It’s important to carefully read and follow the guidelines and requirements provided by the funding agency or grant opportunity. Failure to do so may result in the abstract being rejected without review.
• Being too technical or jargon-heavy: It’s important to use plain language and avoid technical jargon or acronyms that may not be familiar to a broader audience.
• Including unnecessary details: The abstract should focus on the most important aspects of the proposed research project and avoid including extraneous details or background information.
• Making unsupported claims: Any claims or assertions made in the abstract should be supported by evidence or data from the proposed research project.
• Failing to clearly articulate the significance and potential impact of the research: The abstract should clearly and convincingly explain why the proposed research project is important and what potential benefits it could have for society or the research field.
• Being too vague or general: The abstract should provide enough detail to give a clear overview of the proposed research project, without being overly vague or general.
• Being too long or too short: The abstract should be within the specified word limit and provide enough detail to clearly and effectively communicate the proposed research project.

Here are some tips to make your research grant proposal abstract stand out:

• Focus on the uniqueness of your research: Highlight the unique contributions and potential impact of your research project, and explain why it is different from existing research in the field.
• Emphasize the potential benefits: Clearly articulate the potential benefits of the proposed research, both in terms of advancing scientific understanding and in terms of practical applications or benefits to society.
• Use clear and concise language: Use plain language and avoid technical jargon, acronyms or overly complex language that may not be familiar to a broader audience.
• Provide sufficient detail: Provide enough detail to give a clear overview of the proposed research project, without being overly vague or general.
• Follow the guidelines and requirements: Carefully read and follow the guidelines and requirements provided by the funding agency or grant opportunity.
• Include preliminary results: If you have any preliminary data or results, include them in the abstract to demonstrate the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed research project.
• Be persuasive: Use persuasive language and a clear structure to convince the funding agency or grant opportunity that your proposed research project is worth funding.

Overall, making your research grant proposal abstract stand out involves effectively communicating the significance and potential impact of your proposed research project, and demonstrating why it is a worthwhile investment for the funding agency or grant opportunity.

When tailoring your research grant proposal abstract for a specific funding agency or grant opportunity, consider the following tips:

• Read and follow the guidelines: Carefully read and follow the guidelines and requirements provided by the funding agency or grant opportunity. Ensure that your abstract adheres to the specific formatting, length, and content requirements specified in the guidelines.
• Highlight alignment with funding priorities: Consider the specific priorities and focus areas of the funding agency or grant opportunity, and tailor your abstract to demonstrate how your proposed research aligns with those priorities.
• Use appropriate language: Use language that is appropriate for the specific funding agency or grant opportunity. For example, if the funding agency is focused on advancing practical applications, emphasize the practical implications and potential benefits of your proposed research.
• Provide evidence of fit: Provide evidence that your proposed research project is a good fit for the funding agency or grant opportunity. This might include highlighting relevant experience or expertise, or demonstrating how your proposed research addresses a particular gap in knowledge or addresses an important research question.
• Be clear and concise: Ensure that your abstract is clear and concise, using plain language and avoiding technical jargon or overly complex language.
• Consider the review process: Consider the review process for the funding agency or grant opportunity, and tailor your abstract to address the specific criteria or evaluation criteria that will be used to evaluate proposals.

Overall, tailoring your research grant proposal abstract for a specific funding agency or grant opportunity involves carefully reviewing the guidelines and priorities of the funding agency or grant opportunity, and highlighting how your proposed research aligns with those priorities while adhering to the specific requirements and evaluation criteria specified by the funding agency or grant opportunity.

A research grant proposal abstract and a research paper abstract serve different purposes and have different audiences.

A research grant proposal abstract is a brief summary of a proposed research project that is typically submitted as part of a grant application to funding agencies. The abstract is used to provide a quick overview of the proposed research project and to convince the funding agency to provide financial support for the research. The abstract is typically focused on the research question, methodology, key findings or results, and the significance and potential impact of the proposed research. The abstract is often written with a broader audience in mind, as it may be reviewed by multiple individuals who are not experts in the specific research area.

A research paper abstract , on the other hand, is a brief summary of a completed research paper that is included at the beginning of the paper. The abstract is used to provide readers with a quick overview of the research paper and to help readers decide whether they want to read the full paper. The abstract is typically focused on the research question, methodology, key findings or results, and the implications of the research. The abstract is typically written for an audience of experts in the specific research area who have a deeper understanding of the topic.

In summary, the main differences between a research grant proposal abstract and a research paper abstract are the purpose, audience, and content. While both provide a summary of a research project, the research grant proposal abstract is focused on obtaining funding, while the research paper abstract is focused on providing an overview of the completed research paper.

Here’s a table summarizing the main differences between a research grant proposal abstract and a research paper abstract, with examples from computer science:

There are several ways to get feedback on your research grant proposal abstract before submitting it:

• Ask colleagues or mentors in your field: You can ask colleagues or mentors in your field to review your abstract and provide feedback on its clarity, organization, and overall effectiveness.
• Attend a grant writing workshop or seminar: Many universities and research institutions offer grant writing workshops or seminars that provide guidance on how to write effective grant proposals. These events often include opportunities for participants to receive feedback on their proposals.
• Consult with a grant writing consultant: If you have the budget for it, you can hire a grant writing consultant to review your proposal and provide feedback. These consultants are experienced in writing successful grant proposals and can offer valuable insights into how to improve your proposal. Read my article on hiring research consultant for research-related works.
• Use online resources: There are many online resources available that provide guidance on how to write effective grant proposals, including tips for writing an effective abstract. You can also use online platforms, such as LinkedIn or Twitter, to connect with experts in your field and seek feedback on your proposal.

Regardless of the method you choose, it is important to get feedback from multiple sources to ensure that your proposal is as strong as possible before submitting it.

Writing a clear and compelling research grant proposal abstract is essential for securing funding in the competitive field of computer science research. By defining the purpose of the abstract and highlighting its key components, we have provided a framework for crafting a successful proposal.

By following our tips for writing an effective abstract and avoiding common mistakes, you can increase your chances of securing funding for your research project. Whether you are an experienced researcher or just starting out in your career, we hope that the information and examples provided here will help you to write an abstract that will grab the attention of grant reviewers and make a compelling case for your research proposal.

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Free Guide for Writing Abstracts for Research Proposals

Table of Contents

Writing an abstract for a research proposal is a necessary step in the process of submitting your paper for review or publication. It should give readers a clear understanding of what you’re proposing to study, how it will be conducted, and its importance.

A well-written abstract should include critical information from the larger paper, such as its purpose, main points, and methodologies used. If you need to learn how to write abstract for research proposal , this article shows you how.

How to Write Abstract for Research Proposal

An abstract is an excellent way of giving readers a preview of your research. Librarians, for instance, cherish well-written abstracts. This is because well-written abstracts help them to organize their indexes much better.

Let’s get right into it to understand how to write abstract for research proposal .

Start With an Introduction

The introduction to your abstract should dwell on the core of your research. It should provide information about the topic or highlight its relevance to current events.

In essence, it should answer the question of what the study is all about. Depending on individual preference and the topic at hand, the introduction often has two to three sentences.

Methodology

When writing an abstract for a research proposal, it is important to include the methodology used. This section should explain how you plan to collect data and analyze results to answer your research question. It should indicate any ethical considerations or challenges during the project.

In this section, you must state the methods you will use to gather information and complete the project. If you’re conducting a survey, explain who will participate, the number of people, and the questions you’ll ask. You should also indicate the setting of your study and other relevant variables.

You should present your results in an organized, clear, and concise manner that allows readers to follow easily. It is important to highlight any interesting findings or key points that may have been discovered during the work.

When writing about the results, it is important to look at both the general field and specific issues identified by the researcher. This will allow for a more comprehensive understanding of the data collected and its implications. In addition, you should draw attention to any challenges faced while conducting the research and how you addressed them.

The conclusion should draw attention to any interesting or key findings, as well as highlight the importance of the research and its potential effects. In this section, you can discuss whether your results apply to other situations or not.

In addition, you should discuss how your results are similar or dissimilar to previous works. At this point, it’s crucial to avoid falling into the pit of exaggerating the implications of your research. It’s better to only make rational inferences from the result of your research.

Final Thoughts

Writing an effective abstract for a research proposal can be daunting. To make the process easier, it’s important to keep certain things in mind when composing your abstracts.

Begin by understanding what an abstract is and why it is necessary for academic writing. An abstract should summarize the most important points of your paper and highlight any new or innovative ideas you are presenting.

Additionally, make sure that your abstract follows the correct format, which may vary depending on the journal or other publication requirements. Furthermore, examine different ways to improve the clarity and effectiveness of your abstracts, such as adding keywords and terms to help enhance readability.

Finally, take time to draft and review multiple versions of your abstracts until you achieve one that succinctly summarizes your work.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Sample abstracts

Reprocessing used nuclear fuel (UNF) is crucial to the completion of a closed fuel cycle and would reduce the volume of waste produced during nuclear power production. Pyroprocessing is a promising reprocessing technique as it offers pure forms of product recovery. A limiting issue with pyroprocessing, however, is the inability to monitor concentrations of chemical species inside the electrorefiner. As with many nuclear processes, safe guards and monitoring become increasingly important; therefore, development of real - time monitoring techniques for various chemical species may allow for commercialization of this recycling process [1 - 5]. The focus of the proposed research is to develop accurate diffusion coefficients for Yttrium, a fission product found in UNF, in molten salt conditions through Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). Quantification of the diffusion coefficient will allow current measurements from inside the melt to be directly related to species concentration. With the diffusion coefficients, in - situ CV would then facilitate real - time monitoring of chemical concentrations.

This project aims to analyze the social and cultural effects of the Iranian Revolution through primary source material and interviews with those directly affected by the revolution. Iran’s political seclusion and its animosity toward the West has limited the voices and perspectives available to an American audience. Moreover, the attitude of the West towards Iran since the revolution has been myopic and often marred by political perspectives. The objective of this project will be to bring those voices and stories to light, putting a greater focus on the experiences of individuals who lived through the Revolution. These stories will be presented in a digital medium (film and web) in order to bring these voices and perspectives to an American audience.

UW Center for Translational Muscle Research

Request for Proposals- 2024 CTMR Pilot Grants

Now that the NIH has renewed our UW Center for Translational Muscle Research (CTMR) for another 5 years (!!), we are pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) to the Pilot Grant program of the CTMR.   Applications are due on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, by 5:00 pm.

Visit the Pilot Grants page on our website for details about the funding opportunities and the application process or access a PDF of the RFP here .

Please share the RFP with anyone you think may be interested in applying.    

Please contact Katie Mitzelfelt ([email protected]) if you have any questions related to the application process. For questions about the services offered by an individual resource core, please contact the Core Director (see INQUIRIES in the RFP).      

We look forward to receiving your application!

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