APA (American Psychological Association) style offers guidelines for the formatting of an abstract page. It typically contains a brief description of the paper’s purpose and conclusions fornatted according to APA guidelines.
This article will help you understand how to write and format abstract pages in APA style paper. Information given below is applicable both for professional and educational papers. If you need to craft a stunning paper and meet all formatting requirements from your tutor, don’t hesitate and read it!
What Is an Abstract in APA
APA abstract page is a relatively short summary (150-250 words) of your paper placed in its beginning. This piece helps a reader get to know information about research’s general objective, methods, revelations, and author’s interpretation of this data.
Guidelines require placing it as a separate page after the title page and before the introduction section. In case you have questions about APA format title page, read one more of our blog.
Most professional academic texts in APA style include this page. College or high school academic papers written by students may include such a section if it is specified by your tutor. Usually such texts go without it.
How to Write an Abstract: APA Style
Even though an abstract in APA style is placed in the very beginning, it’s better to write it right after you have completed your text. By having your final text in front, you will summarize its main points more easily.
Which points you should overview:
- Objective Specify your paper’s problem and explain why you have decided to write an academic text about it. Give your readers motivation and make them carry on reading.
- Method Tell how you have coped with the information preparing to write your paper. Note that you need to write this information down in the present tense.
- Revelations Describe what actually you have found during your research process and why it is important regarding your highlighted or researched problem.
- Interpretation Give your personal opinion — a summary — on the data you have processed. Tell how your text contributes to your topic’s development.
Keep in mind that your text should be short and concise. Provide only the most important information not digressing into deep details. Otherwise, your summary will become very long and lose its sense.
In case you are looking for a results section APA, read one more blog on our platform.
APA Abstract Format
APA abstract format is the same like any other section within these guidelines though it has some differences. Let’s take a closer look at how to format it.
- Start with a running head APA 7th edition (left-aligned) and page number (right-aligned) at page’s top.
- Type bolded and centered “Abstract” right below.
- Set one-inch margins (2.54cm).
- Use one of the common fonts like Times New Roman (12pt.); Arial (11pt.); Calibri (11pt.); Georgia (11pt.)
- Make text double-spaced.
- Do not break down text into paragraphs — there should be one inseparable paragraph.
- Do not indent your text.
If you have a keywords section, stick to the following formatting:
- Indent keywords section to 0.5 inch.
- Type italicized “Keywords”.
- List your keywords in lowercase without font formatting, separating them with commas.
- Do not use a period after listing.
You may need APA appendix format for your work, so look at our blog dedicated to this topic.
APA Abstract Example
Check the APA abstract example to visually focus on new information:
Looking for annotated bibliography APA example? You are at the right place!
APA Abstract Keywords
You need to include keywords in the APA abstract when your text will become a part of an academic database. It is hardly applicable for students' works and more relates to professional academic papers.
By using these keywords, different researchers will find your paper and be able to work with the information you provide. Moreover, they can cite your text and make your work more valuable. That is why you need to select the most exact keywords.
If APA abstract is still a problem for you, you can just contact our academic writing service and get professional help. Our writers will do their best to provide you with everything you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an abstract in APA?
Abstract in APA style is a short and highly-concentrated summary of the academic paper. It includes information about the author's objective of writing the paper, methods used, revelations found, and final interpretation on a topic.
3. How long should an abstract be in APA style?
Abstract usually consists of 150-250 words written in one single inseparable paragraph.
2. What is the purpose of the APA abstract page?
APA abstract page gives a reader a brief overview of what your paper is about. It also includes necessary information for a better understanding of what is going to be explained in the text.
4. Do APA papers need an abstract?
Professional academic papers written in APA style always need an abstract page. High school or college students’ works usually don’t need such a page. Sometimes tutors ask students to include it but this should be additionally specified.
5. Does abstract count as a page in APA style?
Yes. APA style formatting guidelines require you to write a page number at the right top of a corresponding sheet.
Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.
Comments
According to the APA Publication Manual, you should take everything into your word count. This includes a title page, abstract, main text, quotations, headings, citations, footnotes, reference list, tables, figure captions, and appendices.
No, the abstract is completely different from an introduction. An abstract is an overall, short (typically 300 or so) word summary of the entire paper. An introduction provides background as to the subject of the paper and sets up your main content.