An abstract provides the reader with a brief overview of the project and is often the first (and at times the only) part of a proposal that a reviewer will read.
The final proposal will include a structured abstract that addresses the following areas:
- Background and Significance
- Project Goals and Objectives
- Methods (Description of the intervention or processes you will use to achieve the goals) and how you will measure effects of the intervention to determine project success, next steps, etc…)
- Potential Impact of the Project
Abstracts are typically short (half of a page to one page). Please check with your Faculty Project Advisor to determine preferences in abstract length and content.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is important for students to learn how to write effective and concise abstracts for their research projects. Abstracts provide a snapshot of the project and are often the first point of contact between the reviewer and the proposal. In this answer, we will discuss the key components that should be included in a structured abstract.
Answer:
A structured abstract should include the following components:
1. Background and Significance: This should briefly describe the problem or issue being addressed and explain why it is important. This section should provide context and set the stage for the rest of the abstract.
2. Project Goals and Objectives: This section should describe the specific goals and objectives of the project. What do you hope to achieve through this research? Be clear and specific.
3. Methods: This section should describe the intervention or processes that will be used to achieve the goals of the project. Be detailed and clear in your description. Also, discuss how you will measure the effects of the intervention to determine project success and what the next steps will be.
4. Potential Impact of the Project: This section should explain the anticipated impact of the project. What will be the practical implications of this research? Will it lead to any policy changes or advances in medical practice?
In conclusion, a structured abstract is an important part of any research project proposal, and should always include a brief but well-defined overview of the project’s background and significance, project goals and objectives, methods, and potential impact.