This content explains how to write an abstract for a research paper. It also provides examples of abstracts for research papers in APA style. 

APA-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. An APA-style abstract summarizes the study in 150-250 words. It is a concise paragraph of a complete research project. The APA style uses 12-point Times New Roman, single-spaced, left-aligned at the top of the page. An abstract is the most critical part of a research paper or proposal, as it helps readers decide whether to read the entire article. The abstract of a research paper or proposal is known as an executive summary of the study.

The readers are lecturers, supervisors, co-supervisors, members of the supervisor panel, students, researchers, and practitioners. 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.

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 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 what type of method will be used to conduct the research within one or two sentences. Researchers must mention the tools used for data analysis in a single sentence. For example, SPSS, PLS-SEM, CB-SEM.

4. Findings

It demonstrates the results of studies indicating the accomplishment 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

A good abstract answers the following questions:

1. Why do you want to conduct this study or research?
2. How do you want to complete this study or research?
3. What do you want to find from this study?
4. Where do you want to use the findings of the study?
5. Who are the respondents or participants of this research, if necessary?

An ideal abstract follows an inverted pyramid style of writing, answering why, what, how, where, and who questions. The answers represent the six key elements of the research paper, including 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 write accurate and 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.

How To Write an APA Abstract for a Research Paper or Proposal

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’ practice of citizen journalism. 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.

Research Paper Abstract Writing Example APA

The following example helps readers write a strong APA-style abstract for a research paper or proposal. The authors demonstrate a few examples of abstracts for research papers in APA style. These APA-style abstracts are collected from master’s theses by research students and PhD theses by PhD students at the University of Putra Malaysia, the University of Malaysia, and the National University of Singapore.

Abstract Sample For Quantitative Research Paper

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 the tourism and hospitality industry in Malaysia by adopting 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 AI adoption among HR professionals in the Malaysian tourism and hospitality industry.

Apart from the theoretical and practical implications, this research discusses limitations and further research contributions.

Example of Abstract for Research Paper APA-1

Research Paper Title: Examination of the Relationship between Social Media Engagement and Citizen Journalism Practice.

Abstract

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 unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT). The researchers designed online survey questionnaires and distributed them among university students through Google Forms to collect data, where 301 valid samples were collected. The structural equation modeling (SEM- PLS) approach was utilized to ascertain the presented model based on the empirical data found from respondents. The findings show performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and social influence significantly affect social media users' practice of citizen journalism. 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 creator emphasized limitations and suggestions for future research.

Keywords: Social Media, Engagement, Citizen Journalism, UTAUT, Online news.

Sample Abstract for Research Paper APA-2

The author has collected the following abstract from an empirical article published in the Wiley Online Library. It is a perfect example to write a research paper 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, results revealed that perceived ease of use, usefulness, technology competency, top management support, and competitive pressure have significantly positive impacts on AI adoption in the tourism industry in Malaysia.

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.

Research Paper Abstract Example APA-3

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 research method, analyzing data from prominent automotive and energy companies to assess how green innovation influences 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.

Examples of an Abstract for a Research Paper in APA-4

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 an Abstract APA Research Paper-5

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 a Dissertation Abstract- 6

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 the factors that may impact EV sales across different geographic areas. Additionally, this study utilizes text mining techniques to analyze the themes of public concern and acceptance levels 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.

Example of a PhD Dissertation Abstract- 7

TITLE: CHALLENGES, BARRIERS, AND COPING STRATEGIES EXPERIENCED BY WOMEN LEADERS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES OF MALAYSIA

There are more female academicians than male academicians working in public universities in Malaysia; however, their representation in administrative leadership positions is lower than that of men. This is similar to the situation in public universities in many other countries. The lack of women in leadership positions in higher education institutions, such as public universities, is primarily due to the challenges they face. This study explores the challenges preventing women from accessing and holding administrative leadership positions in Malaysian public universities, as well as those that may negatively impact them. Furthermore, the study explored strategies and actions that could be utilised to overcome the challenges women face.

A qualitative approach, using an explorative research design, was deemed appropriate for this study. The empirical study included 12 semi-structured interviews with female deans at six public universities in Selangor, Malaysia, to explore the challenges they face. These challenges were categorised into three main types: social, organisational, and individual. The study identified religion, male domination, and negative attitudes of local people towards women leaders as the social challenges faced by women in accessing university leadership positions.

However, among these challenges, only negative attitudes toward women who already hold administrative leadership positions in public universities persist.

This study identifies internal politics, male domination, a lack of benefits (both financial and non-financial), and bias among top management personnel as the organisational challenges women face in accessing administrative leadership positions.

However, subsequent organisational challenges are similar to the managerial challenges identified in accessing positions. Still, the negative perception of colleagues and their lack of support, along with the lack of childcare facilities, have also emerged as challenges for women already holding administrative leadership positions in public universities in Malaysia.

Furthermore, as far as individual challenges in accessing administrative leadership positions in public universities are concerned, this study has identified familial responsibilities, a lack of motivation, technological knowledge, confidence, and time management. However, only family responsibilities and a lack of technological expertise were found to be the subsequent individual challenges for women holding administrative leadership positions. Apart from these challenges, the study also sought to identify specific challenges highlighted by respondents that may negatively affect potential female leaders in Malaysian public universities.

The study found that universities placed too many responsibilities on potential female leaders, which had a negative impact, including difficulties in managing people, complex promotion criteria, negative perceptions from colleagues, and a lack of financial benefits.

The study concluded with recommendations for coping strategies and actions derived from participants that could be used to overcome the challenges women face in accessing and holding administrative leadership positions in Malaysian public universities. These included reducing responsibilities, training, organizing seminars and symposiums, and developing family-friendly workplace facilities.

Keywords: Challenges, Women, Administrative Leadership, Public Universities, Malaysia

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 presentation. This article will help students write and submit an executive summary for a research proposal as part of a seminar presentation.