The following table shows how the [IMRAD-type] abstract
is generally structured, and what information is expected by the reader of an
Abstract. How much info. is included depends on the length of the overall report.
| Main function |
Specific information |
| Problem/Issue
|
- the context of the problem/issue
- the author's intention /interest
- the aims [why the research was done ]
- the research question(s)
|
| Methods |
- what was done
- the methodology/techniques used
- the materials and subjects involved
- the time and location of the study
|
| Findings
and Interpretation |
- a summary of the main results
- an interpretation of the results’ significance
- how the study contributes to knowledge
|
| Conclusions |
- summarise the main findings in relation to the
research question(s)
- draw some main conclusions
- Implications and recommendations for future
research
|
For another perspective on the IMRAD functions, and how they can be seen in a
complete cycle, see the Hourglass Model
