Abstract vs Introduction: What is the difference?

If you are new to writing research papers or are writing your manuscript for the first time, it is common to be confused about the abstract and the introduction. While they are typically placed at the beginning of an academic paper or manuscript – after the title and before the main text body – they both have significantly different roles to play. Let us examine the difference between an abstract and an introduction in a research paper and what to include in each. (1) 

What is an Abstract?

An abstract is like a short summary of your entire research paper. It includes everything: beginning with an introduction to your topic and moving on to what you wanted to achieve, how you conducted your research, what you found, and wrapping it up by explaining what it all means in the end. It highlights why your study is essential or what new questions it raises for future research.(2)

Think of it like browsing an online store and going through the catalogue to see what products they have. The abstract works the same way—it gives readers a glimpse of what’s inside the research paper so they can decide whether to read more.  Most academic journals have a rule that the abstract can only be a certain number of words, usually around 10% of the whole paper. 

What is an Introduction?

After the abstract, the introduction kicks off a research paper. Its job is to provide all the background info needed for readers to grasp what the study is about and why it is essential. The introduction talks about things similar to the abstract, but it goes into much more detail. While the abstract briefly mentions the main goals of your study, the introduction explains why you are asking those questions and what led you to them. It provides more background and context for your research.(2)

Purpose: Abstract vs Introduction

To understand the difference between abstract and introduction, let’s first look at the purpose of each. (3),(4)

The abstract is like a teaser, designed to grab the reader’s attention and make them curious about what you have discovered in your research paper. The strategic use of the right words can make your research more appealing to readers, encouraging them to either read the whole thing or even buy it if it is not freely available. Plus, by sprinkling in important keywords, you increase the chances of your paper popping up in online searches. 

On the other hand, the introduction sets the stage for your study. It points out what we already know about the topic and the gaps in existing knowledge, helping to clarify why your research is needed. The introduction also lays out the groundwork for your study by listing previous research in chronological order and explaining why your study adds something new. 

Key Differences: Abstract vs Introduction

	Abstract	Introduction
Word Limit	Short, usually 250 words or less, offers a quick summary of research.	Longer, often over 500 words, giving a background and details of the study.
Keywords	Keywords used strategically to help people find their paper online.	Keywords used to explain the topic rather than help with online searches.
Summary of Results	Briefly mentions what the study found and its conclusions without going into detail.	Does not talk about results, but focus on setting up the study and explaining why it is important.
Future Directions	May include ideas for future research based on study’s findings.	Usually does not discuss future research ideas or possibilities.
Review of Past Research	Provides a quick overview of past research without going into detail or mentioning specific studies.	Provides a more detailed review of past research and often mentions specific studies that relate to the current study.
Citations	Does not usually mention specific studies.	Has citations that show source of stated information and to support ideas used.
Placement	Placed before the introduction to give readers an overview before diving into the details.	The introduction follows the abstract, and provides a more comprehensive background and context for the study.
Necessity	Not needed for every manuscript.	Necessary for all research papers.
Description of Methods	Briefly outlines study methods and research design.	Offers a comprehensive overview of the research background, explaining why the study was conducted and the evidence leading to it.
Background Information	Concise background, typically limited to a sentence or two.	Delves into field-specific details, allowing the use of abbreviations and providing more in-depth information of interest to specialists in the field.
Language Clarity	Uses clear, simple language, without jargon, and abbreviations to cater to non-specialist readers.	May use field-specific terminology and abbreviations, as they target readers familiar with the subject matter.

To summarize, while an abstract provides a concise overview of the entire paper, the introduction sets the stage by outlining the research problem and purpose. Understanding the distinct roles of each section is key to structuring your academic work effectively; we hope the details provided above help clear the abstract vs. introduction confusion so you can move ahead and write more confidently.

References: 

1. The Abstract – Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper – University of Southern California
2. Abstract vs. Introduction: What’s the Difference? – San Francisco Edit
3. Research Paper: differences between abstract and introduction – Elsevier
4. The Difference Between an Abstract and an Introduction – Millersville University

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