How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper (With Example)

Key takeaways

• An abstract is a 150–250-word summary of your whole paper: purpose, methods, results and conclusion.
• Write it last, after the paper is finished.
• Don't include citations, undefined abbreviations or new information that isn't in the paper.

The four-part abstract formula

1. Purpose (1–2 sentences): the problem and your research aim
2. Methods (1–2 sentences): design, participants or data, and analysis
3. Results (2–3 sentences): key findings, with numbers where possible
4. Conclusion (1–2 sentences): implications and significance

Example abstract

This study examined whether later school start times affect adolescent sleep and academic performance. Using attendance and GPA data from 2,400 students in 12 high schools before and after a shift from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., we compared outcomes with a paired-samples design. After the change, students slept an average of 34 minutes longer per night, attendance improved by 4%, and mean GPA rose from 2.9 to 3.1. The findings suggest that delaying school start times is a low-cost intervention that improves adolescent well-being and achievement.

Formatting (APA 7)

• Put it on its own page after the title page, titled Abstract (bold, centered)
• Write a single paragraph with no first-line indent
• Add keywords on a new indented line: Keywords: sleep, adolescents, school start times

Common mistakes

• Only describing background without reporting results
• Going over the word limit
• Copying sentences word for word from the introduction

Frequently asked questions

What tense should an abstract use?

Past tense for methods and results, present tense for conclusions and implications.

Does every paper need an abstract?

No. Research papers, theses and journal articles usually do. Most student essays don't unless the instructor requires one.