What is the difference in a summary and an abstract 2024?

Hannah Fisher | 2023-06-09 02:10:57 | page views:1698
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Amelia Kim

Studied at the University of Amsterdam, Lives in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
As a subject matter expert in the field of academic writing, I often encounter the question of what distinguishes a summary from an abstract. Both are condensed forms of a larger piece of work, but they serve different purposes and are structured differently.

An abstract is a standalone, concise summary of a research article, thesis, or any other scholarly work. It is typically found at the beginning of a document and is meant to give readers a clear, brief overview of what the document contains. The primary function of an abstract is to allow readers to quickly determine the relevance of the work to their interests or research needs. It should be succinct and typically does not exceed 250-300 words. An abstract may include the following elements:


1. Purpose: A statement of the research problem or the purpose of the study.

2. Methods: A brief description of the approach or methodology used.

3. Results: A summary of the findings or data collected.

4. Conclusion: A concise statement of the conclusions drawn from the research.

An abstract is often written for the purpose of database indexing and is meant to be informative and self-contained, providing enough information for a reader to decide whether to read the full text.

On the other hand, a summary is a more general condensation of a larger work. It can be part of the document itself or a separate piece, and it is intended to provide a broad overview of the entire work. A summary may be longer than an abstract and can include additional elements such as:


1. Introduction: Background information that sets the stage for the work.

2. Body: A more detailed account of the main points, arguments, or findings.

3. Conclusion: A reiteration of the conclusions and their implications.

4. Recommendations: Suggestions for future research or action based on the findings.

A summary is often used for internal review, to provide a quick recap for readers who have already engaged with the full text, or as a means of sharing the essence of the work with a broader audience.

The key differences between a summary and an abstract can be distilled into the following points:

- Purpose: An abstract is meant to attract readers and provide a snapshot for database indexing, while a summary provides a comprehensive overview for those who may have already read the work or need a quick recap.
- Length: Abstracts are typically shorter and more focused, whereas summaries can be more detailed and longer.
- Content: Abstracts are structured with specific elements in mind, while summaries may cover a broader range of topics within the work.
- Placement: Abstracts are usually placed at the beginning of a document, while summaries can be found at the end or as a separate document.
- Audience: Abstracts are aimed at a wider audience for initial attraction, while summaries may be more tailored to those who have a specific interest in the work.

In conclusion, while both summaries and abstracts serve to condense information from a larger work, they do so in ways that are tailored to their specific functions within the academic and professional spheres.


2024-06-11 01:41:22

Benjamin Brooks

Works at the International Seabed Authority, Lives in Kingston, Jamaica.
An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding, or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose.
2023-06-12 02:10:57

Sebastian Cooper

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
An abstract is a brief summary of a research article, thesis, review, conference proceeding, or any in-depth analysis of a particular subject and is often used to help the reader quickly ascertain the paper's purpose.
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