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Abstract Guidelines

Abstract Guidelines

Abstracts must meet all criteria to be accepted. Check out previous examples here.

For creative or artistic research projects, we have included specific guidelines to support the abstract writing process.

Category Criteria
Word Count
  • Must be 300 words or less
Text Formatting
  • Title is in title case format
  • All genus and species names are capitalized and italicized appropriately
  • No extra spaces at the beginning of the abstract or title
Abstract Inclusions
  • Abstract is a single paragraph with no headings
  • There are minimal-to-no citations
Spelling & Punctuation
  • No spelling or punctuation mistakes
  • Acronyms are identified after first use
Present or Past Tense
  • Use present or past tense in methods
  • Avoid “will be” statements” (e.g. “I will be conducting…”) in background and methodology
  • See abstract writing workshop for examples
Role in Research
  • Use active voice (e.g. “I conducted analyses” v. “Analyses were run”)
  • Make explicit your personal contributions to the project presented
Context or Purpose
  • Provide a clear statement of purpose, including background or context of the project.
  • For creative or artistic projects, provide how your background, experiences, positionality, or creative influences have formed your approach to the work.
Questions/Hypotheses
  • Provide a clear statement of your project’s question, hypotheses, or goal.
  • For creative or artistic projects, provide the intention of your project.
Methodology/Approach
  • Describe your methodology including measurements and tools, participant demographics as applicable, etc.
  • For creative or artistic projects, describe your process of inquiry and training in the medium you are using. Situate your work by articulating how it builds on previous work, knowledge, theories, etc. (e.g., How is it situated within a theory or school of thought? Whose work are you working in response to?).
Expected/Preliminary Findings
  • Share the findings of your research project. If your project is still in progress, speak to your anticipated findings.
  • For creative or artistic projects, share what your work may reveal, evoke, or communicate as a result of your creative process.
Implications
  • Share why these findings matter; for example, speak to the impact of the work in your field, for the public, etc.
  • For creative or artistic projects, describe the impact or the significance of the work. What significance does this have on the world, your discipline, and/or on you?