Many first-time authors are confused about the "abstract" and "introduction" in the paper, thinking that there is little difference between them, but it is not. In this article, Bian Xiao will discuss the difference between them with you.
Abstract is a brief summary, written at the beginning of an academic paper or thesis, explaining the purpose of the paper and its main conclusions. The introduction can appear at the beginning of any article to attract readers to read further and let readers know the rest. It is the essence of the full text, a summary of a scientific research work or technical practice, and a summary of research purposes, methods and results.
Characteristics of abstract:
① purpose
Save time and money. People who read academic journals usually do a lot of professional reading, so they want to make full use of their time. The abstract can tell them whether it is worth reading the rest of the 60-page paper.
② format
It can be divided into structured and unstructured. Structured abstracts are divided into background, purpose, methods, results and conclusions, which can help readers find relevant information quickly. Unstructured abstracts are usually used in non-scientific fields, and all parts are summarized in one paragraph.
③ Content
It is a minimalist version including methods, results and conclusions, and should be written from the background or purpose, so as to be concise but informative. There is no need for references, and the length is generally not more than 200-250 words. Short and pithy is the main feature of academic journal abstracts. Just briefly summarize the research objectives, methods, results and conclusions in 1 ~ 2 sentences respectively. The main task of introduction is to outline the basic content and outline of the full text to readers.
Features of the introduction:
① purpose
The introduction is to stimulate readers' interest in reading. They may be anecdotes or facts, but they should be presented in a way that makes readers wonder what will happen next.
② Content
The introduction does not include methods, results or conclusions, but it still needs some more in-depth information, such as the explanation of assumptions and problems, the novelty and importance of the research, etc. The introduction should include references, and it is best to write it after all the papers are completed. Abstract and introduction can be found at the beginning of written works, hoping to prepare readers for further reading.
3 what to write?
Introduce the background, significance, development and current level of a research field; Review and summarize the literature in related fields, including previous research results and solved problems, and make appropriate evaluation or comparison; Pointing out the unsolved problems and technical gaps left by predecessors, we can also put forward new problems, new methods and new ideas to solve these new problems, thus leading to the motivation and significance of our own research topic; Explain the purpose of your research project; Summarize the main contents of the paper or outline its general outline.
The key point to distinguish the two:
The purpose of stating the paper is a summary of the article, but it is more concise and direct, and it does not need the details of the research, but only provides readers with clear research and results. Introduction is a part of the article, which is used to arouse readers' interest. It is more detailed than the abstract, explaining why the research is conducted and what results are expected.