How to Write an APA Abstract (with Examples)?

APA (American Psychological Association) is a referencing style used to cite social sciences. This is one of the most popular referencing styles for study disciplines like Education, Psychology, Sociology, Nursing, and Social Work. While writing a research paper in the APA format, one needs to write an abstract. It is one of the most important components of this format, as it summarizes the article in a concise way. In this article, GoAssignmentHelp experts have explained some tips that will help you write an effective APA abstract. Let’s get started!

How to write an APA abstract?

An APA abstract is a one-paragraph (± 250 words) summary of your paper. It introduces the main points of your research and explains why readers might be interested in your topic.

What are the main principles of an effective APA abstract?

1. Start with the running head: The APA abstract should always begin with the running head – a shortened version of your paper’s title that cannot exceed 50 characters, including spaces. This can help the reader quickly identify the main topic and scope of your research.
2. Write the word “Abstract”: Along with starting with the running head, it is also important to write the word “Abstract” at the top of your paper in the centre of the page. This can help readers know that they are reading an abstract and not a full research paper.
3. Provide keywords: To make your abstract easier for search engines to index, be sure to include a few keywords that accurately describe your paper.
4. State the purpose of your paper: In one sentence, state the main purpose or focus of your research. This can help readers understand what you will be discussing in the paper.
5. Summarize the main points: In a few sentences, summarize the main points of your research. Be sure to include the most important information, as well as the implications of your work for practice and/or future research.
6. Conclude with a brief paragraph: To finish your abstract, write a short paragraph about the relevance of your paper for researchers and academics. This can help readers see the value in your work and encourage them to read the full paper.

How to use keywords to summarize your research paper?

One key tip for writing an effective APA abstract is to use keywords effectively. To do this, begin by identifying some relevant keywords that describe your research topic and/or the main findings of your paper. Then, incorporate these keywords into the summary of your paper.

For example, let’s say you are writing a paper on the effects of social media on teenagers. Some relevant keywords for this topic might be social media, teenagers, anxiety, depression, and screen time. By including these keywords in your abstract, you can help readers quickly identify the main topics and findings of your paper.

How to state the purpose of your paper in one sentence?

One strategy for writing an effective APA abstract is to clearly state the purpose of your paper in one sentence. To do this, begin by identifying the main goal or focus of your research. Then, express this goal or focus concisely in a single sentence.

For example, you might say something like “This paper explores the effects of social media on teenagers, with a focus on its implications for anxiety and depression.”

Alternatively, you might say “This paper seeks to understand the factors that contribute to screen time among teenagers, with a particular emphasis on how this usage relates to anxiety and depression.”

By stating the purpose of your paper clearly in one sentence, you can help readers quickly understand what your paper is about and what they can expect to learn from it.

How to summarize the main points of your research?

When summarizing the main points of your research, it is important to be clear and concise. Begin by identifying the most important information that you want to include in your summary. Then, express this information in a few short sentences.

For example, if you are writing about the effects of social media on teenagers, you might say something like “This paper explores how social media use can impact anxiety and depression among young people. Some key findings include increased feelings of isolation, reduced face-to-face interaction, and greater risk of cyberbullying.”

Alternatively, you might say “The main findings of this research show that social media can have a profound impact on the mental health of teenagers. Specifically, it can lead to increased anxiety and depression, as well as reduced face-to-face interaction and increased risk of cyberbullying.”

By including the most important information in your summary, you can help readers understand the main points of your paper without having to read the full text.

How to conclude your abstract?

When concluding your abstract, it is important to briefly summarize the relevance of your paper. To do this, you can briefly describe the implications of your findings for practice and/or future research.

For example, you might say something like “This paper has implications for counsellors working with teenagers who use social media. Specifically, it highlights the need to be aware of the potential negative impacts of social media on mental health, and to work with clients to reduce screen time and increase face-to-face interaction.”

Alternatively, you might say “This research highlights the need for further study on the impact of social media on mental health. Specifically, future research should focus on identifying protective factors and strategies for minimizing the negative effects of social media use among young people.”

By concluding your abstract with a clear statement about its relevance, you can leave readers with a clear understanding of the importance and implications of your research.

APA Formatting Tips

When writing an APA abstract, it is important to follow the formatting guidelines outlined in the official APA Style Guide. These include:

1. Sticking to the word limit requirements for APA abstracts (between 150 and 250 words).
2. Always use acronyms (such as “APA” and “NCBI”) in full on the first use, followed by the acronym in parentheses.
3. Use Times New Roman font, with a size of 12 points and double spacing throughout.
4. Leave a 1″ margin on all sides of the paper.

You may also check: HOW TO CITE A BOOK IN THE APA FORMAT?

If you need help with writing an APA abstract, hire a GoAssignmentHelp expert today!