Goal Three: Describe Methods
Sara Nezami Nav
Describing Methods in an Abstract is one of the important goals to be achieved in writing a research Abstract. Methods in an Abstract can be a few sentences long, or can be short and merged with the previous goals like describe study intentions to save space. The same strategies that have been used for study Methods as a section of an article can be used to give a brief account of Methods in an Abstract. For example, you may choose to include Information about Study Subjects, Materials, the Data Collection Procedures, the Analytical Procedures, the Design of the Research, and so on. However, they are only briefly introduced, and should include only the main points. For example, you may choose to describe the number of participants, but leave out some details about demographic information. Ultimately, you have to decide which information is the most important information to be included. We suggest you compare the description of the Methods in an Abstract of a research article with the actual Methods section of the same research. This comparison will give you a clear idea of what to include and what not to include in your own Abstract. Describing Methods is a very important component of an Abstract and leaving it out will confuse the readers at best and leave a wrong first impression on them. This is why we consider Describe Methods to be an indispensable component of an effective Abstract. Please see the following versions of the same abstract (borrowed from Swales & Feak, 2009, pp.14-15):
Version A: “The primary data used consist of approximately 300 memoranda (internal correspondence) and 150 fax messages (external correspondence) associated with four different Turkish companies selected to represent a range of sectors, sizes and management styles. Analysis of the primary data was supported by interviews with executives from these four companies.”
Version B: “The primary data consist of internal and external correspondence (faxes) from four very different Turkish companies. Secondary data comes from interviews with selected executives.”
- What details have been eliminated from the first version? Why do you think they have been eliminated?
- What verb tense is used to Describe the Methods?
