Resource of the Week #106: Structured Abstracts

Hello again. This week I’m focusing on a type of resource rather than a specific resource. This type of resource is called a structured abstract.

Most of us are familiar with abstracts. An abstract briefly states the main content of a paper, presentation, or other item. A structured abstract has specific sections, with specific titles.

For instance, a structured abstract of a research article might have the sections Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions. Examples of structured abstracts are available online.

If a structured abstract is required, the instructions from the journal or other venue generally say what sections to include.

By providing guidance on content and organization, use of structured abstracts helps authors. And by making information easier to find, use of structured abstracts helps readers.

Originally, it seems, structured abstracts were used mainly in reporting medical research. Now, however, they are used at least occasionally in a variety of fields.

If you’re a journal editor or conference organizer, consider requesting structured abstracts. And if you’re a researcher, here’s a suggestion:

Even if an abstract needn’t be structured, draft a structured one. You can then remove the section headings. The result: an informative, well-organized abstract!

Until the next post—

Barbara