This content explains how to write an abstract in APA 7th edition for a research paper. It also provides examples of research paper abstracts in APA style. An abstract is the most critical part of a research paper, as it helps readers decide whether to read the entire article. The abstract of a research paper or proposal is often referred to as the executive summary of the study.
Research Paper Abstract Example APA
The example of an abstract for a research paper in APA 7th edition format includes the research background, objective, methods and tools, findings, and the significance of the study. The following example of an abstract for a research paper helps students and researchers write a strong APA 7th edition-style abstract. The APA-style abstract of a research paper is an executive summary of the entire research project, limited to 250 words and including research background, procedures, aims, results, and significance (Jameel, 2023; McBride, 2023).

Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: Communication Field
Background:
Social media has been an indispensable communication channel for sharing and consuming news. The evolution of social media platforms has boosted digital journalism practice globally.
Objective:
This study examines factors influencing social media engagement in citizen journalism by adopting the prominent technology adoption model, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).
Method(s) with Tools:
The researchers designed online survey questionnaires and distributed them via Google Forms to university students, collecting 301 valid responses. The structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) approach was used to test the presented model using empirical data from respondents.
Findings:
The findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence significantly affect social media users’ citizen journalism practices. The results indicate that social media engagement significantly influenced citizen journalism practice.
Significance:
This study is of great significance to scholars and practitioners, especially digital journalists and the content they create. Emphasized limitations and suggestions for future research. People practice citizen journalism on social media sites to report real-time news, entertain friends, educate people, and shape public opinion.
A Complete Abstract Example for Research Paper APA Format
Research Paper Title: Examination of the Relationship between Social Media Engagement and Citizen Journalism Practice.
Social media have been indispensable communication channels for sharing and consuming news. The evolution of social media platforms has boosted digital journalism practice globally. This study intends to examine factors influencing social media engagement to practice citizen journalism by adopting a prominent technology adoption model, the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The researchers designed online questionnaires and distributed them to university students via Google Forms to collect data, yielding 301 valid responses. The structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) approach was utilized to ascertain the presented model based on empirical data collected from respondents. The findings show that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence significantly affect social media users’ citizen journalism practices. The results indicate that social media engagement significantly influenced citizen journalism practice. This study is of great significance to scholars and practitioners, especially digital journalists, and content creators emphasized limitations and suggestions for future research.
Keywords: Social Media, Engagement, Citizen Journalism, UTAUT, Online news.
Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: AI Adoption
Title: The Antecedent of Artificial Intelligence Adoption Among Human Resource Professionals in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry in Malaysia.
The tourism industry has become a major driver of economic growth worldwide, fostering the creation of more entrepreneurs and new job opportunities. The tourism industry is Malaysia’s second-largest source of economic revenue, contributing to social and financial well-being.
This study examines factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence among human resource professionals in Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality industry, using the UTAUT and TOE models.
A total of 410 responses were collected from HR professionals via quantitative survey questionnaires distributed via Google Forms.
Based on structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) analysis, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social Influence, facilitating conditions, technology competency, top management support, and competitive pressure positively influence HR employees’ acceptance and use of AI tools, and emotional intelligence (EI) positively moderates these relationships. The model highlights how emotional intelligence enhances HR professionals’ adoption of AI in the Malaysian tourism and hospitality industry.
Apart from the theoretical and practical implications, this research discusses its limitations and contributions to further research.
Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: AI Adoption in HR Professionals
The author has collected the following abstract from an empirical article published in the Wiley Online Library. It is a perfect example of how to write an abstract in APA style.
The research title is: “Artificial intelligence adoption among Human Resource Professionals: Does market turbulence play a role?”
Abstract
Background and Objective of the Research
Drawing on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, this study investigates the factors influencing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among human resource (HR) professionals in Malaysian tourism organizations.
Method(s) with Tools and Findings
Responses were collected from 389 HR employees working at tourism organizations. Based on a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis, the results revealed that perceived ease of use, usefulness, technological competency, top management support, and competitive pressure have a significant positive impact on AI adoption in Malaysia’s tourism industry.
The study’s contribution to the TAM and TOE models is the inclusion of market turbulence as a significant moderator, which enhances understanding among HR practitioners and others of the factors most influential in AI adoption among HR employees in the tourism industry.
Significance of the Study
The model developed in this study highlights how market turbulence can foster the relationship between AI adoption and organizations. In addition to the managerial and theoretical implications, the study discusses its limitations and outlines directions for future research.

Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: Automotive and Energy Sector
Research Title: Green Innovation and Firm Efficiency in China’s Automotive and Energy Sector: The Moderating Role of Environmental Governance
Abstract: This study examines the mediating role of environmental governance in the relationship between green innovation and firm efficiency, particularly technical efficiency, in the automotive and energy industries. With increasing pressures to adopt sustainable practices, industries are urged to innovate while also adhering to environmental policies.
This research employs a quantitative approach, analyzing data from leading automotive and energy companies to assess how green innovation affects firm efficiency through environmental governance mechanisms. Preliminary analyses suggest a significant mediating role for environmental governance, which could guide companies’ strategic planning and policy formulation. This study aims to contribute to both theoretical frameworks in ecological accounting and practical applications in industry governance.
Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: Supply Chain Management
Research Title: The influence of digitalization in supply chain management and Competitive advantages on the financial performance of E-commerce companies in Malaysia.
Abstract: Digital technology has become an essential tool for businesses to maintain viable partnerships and establish significant value connections with other companies. The constantly emerging new digital technologies are affecting almost all business processes and activities every day.
This study investigated the impact of digital supply chains on the performance of Malaysian e-commerce companies. This article further examines the mediating role of enterprise competitiveness in the relationship between digital applications and e-commerce enterprise performance. These goals are achieved through a quantitative research design. Researchers used stratified sampling to email 500 online survey questionnaires to Malaysian e-commerce companies engaged in online sales. The questionnaires were collected, incomplete responses were deleted, and the TAM model was used to analyze the data.
Malaysian e-commerce companies can consider adopting DSC in their business processes to maintain reliability in a fiercely competitive market by providing good supply chain performance and optimal overall organizational performance. This study is of great significance to scholars and practitioners, especially in supply chain management and Malaysian e-commerce companies. Emphasized limitations and suggestions for future research.
Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: Greenwashing
Research Title: Evaluating the Impact of Greenwashing on the Financial Performance and Market Reaction to Green Bonds in developing and developed countries.
Abstract: This study examines the differential effects of green bonds on financial performance and market reactions across developing and developed countries, while accounting for greenwashing. It explores whether green bonds yield greater economic benefits and stronger market reactions in developing countries and investigates how greenwashing impacts, as a moderating variable. The findings offer significant insights for investors, policymakers, and financial institutions seeking to optimize the use of green bonds to promote sustainable development. The results are expected to influence strategies and regulations, particularly highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring of greenwashing practices to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of green finance, especially in emerging markets. The study contributes to an understanding of sustainable finance and green bonds as green projects proceed into different markets.
Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA: Electric Vehicle Adoption
Dissertation Title: Factors Influencing Electric Vehicle Adoption
This dissertation investigates the various factors influencing the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with a focus on economic, ecological, and public concern determinants. Firstly, the research employs quantitative methods to identify factors that may affect EV sales across geographic areas. Additionally, this study uses text mining techniques to analyze themes of public concern and acceptance of EVs expressed in online media and discussions in the emerging EV market. The goals are to: 1. Identify patterns and correlations among these factors and their influence on EV adoption rates. 2. By providing a detailed understanding of public concerns and acceptance, this research aims to offer valuable insights to policymakers and industry stakeholders to foster a more favorable environment for EV uptake.
Elements of a Research Paper Abstract APA
The five key elements of an APA-style abstract for a research paper or proposal are background, objective, method, tools, and findings, with significance as the final element. Students or researchers must include these five components in the abstract to provide an executive summary of the entire document.
1. Background
It is a simple opening sentence that includes the background of the study and context. Sometimes it also presents the thesis’s problem statements.
The background section of an abstract offers a concise introduction that prepares the reader for the remainder of the paper, clarifying the study’s significance and intended outcomes.
Usually, the author explains the study’s background in 20-40 words. The background of the research is described concisely in one or two sentences in the abstract section.
2. Objective
It illustrates the study’s aim in one or two sentences. It also demonstrates the research’s intention and why this study is essential.
3. Method(s) with Tools:
It explains the method that will be used to conduct the research in one or two sentences. Researchers must mention the tools used for data analysis in a single sentence. For example, SPSS, PLS-SEM, and CB-SEM.
4. Findings
It demonstrates the results of studies that indicate the completion of research projects. It validates the research objective.
5. Significance
The concluding sentence highlights the positive consequences of the results in a single sentence. It also indicates how the results will be used theoretically and practically.
Characteristics of a Good Research Abstract APA
A good abstract answers the following questions:
- Why do you want to conduct this study or research?
- How do you want to complete this study or research?
- What do you want to find from this study?
- Where do you want to use the findings of the study?
- Who are the respondents or participants of this research, if necessary?
An ideal abstract follows an inverted-pyramid style of writing, answering the why, what, how, where, and who questions. The answers cover the six key elements of the research paper: background, objective, method(s), tools, findings, and conclusion. It is a bad idea to copy sentences from the article or proposal and paste them into the abstract. The researchers must paraphrase the sentences and provide accurate, concise information. Additionally, you have to proofread the manuscript to fix grammatical errors, spelling, and punctuation. Finally, you must follow the simple present and past tense when writing the abstract.
Significance of this Article
Firstly, the researchers get a clear concept of how to write research papers and proposal abstracts in APA style. It will guide researchers in submitting their abstracts for conference presentations. This article will help students write and submit an executive summary for a research proposal as part of a seminar presentation.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions): Research Paper Abstract in APA 7th Edition
Q1: What is an APA-style abstract in a research paper?
A: The APA-style abstract of a research paper is an executive summary of the entire research project, limited to 250 words and including research background, procedures, aims, results, and significance.
Q2: What is the word limit in an APA-format abstract?
A: An APA-style abstract summarizes the study in 150-250 words. It is a concise paragraph of a complete research project.
Q3: What is the font size for an APA-format abstract?
A: The APA style uses 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced, left-aligned at the top of the page.
Q4: What is the paramount characteristic of a good abstract?
A: A good abstract attracts the readers to read the entire study. It outlines the key findings of the research topic before reading the full manuscripts.
References APA 7th Edition: Scholarly Sources
Jameel, A. S. (2023). The significance of the abstract in academic research. Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities, 30(12, 2), 323-335.
McBride, D. M. (2023). The process of research in psychology. Sage Publications.
M M Kobiruzzaman is a communications researcher, media analyst, and the founding editor of Newsmoor.com. Specializing in mass communication models, journalism research frameworks, and media elements, his work bridges the gap between technical theory and everyday cultural communication. With a background in analyzing digital media dynamics and regional information systems, he is dedicated to providing authoritative guides that elevate media literacy and academic writing standards.