Abstract vs. Conclusion

Attribute	Abstract	Conclusion
Definition	A summary of the main points of a research paper or article.	A final summary or statement that wraps up the main points of a discussion or argument.
Placement	Usually placed at the beginning of a paper, before the introduction.	Usually placed at the end of a paper, after the discussion and analysis.
Length	Typically shorter in length, usually around 150-250 words.	Can vary in length depending on the complexity of the paper, but generally longer than an abstract.
Content	Summarizes the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions of the paper.	Summarizes the main points, findings, and implications of the discussion or argument.
Function	Provides a brief overview of the paper to help readers decide if they want to read the full paper.	Wraps up the paper and reinforces the main points, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Introduction

Abstracts and conclusions are two important components of any academic or research paper. While they serve different purposes, they both play a crucial role in summarizing the key points of the paper and providing closure to the reader. In this article, we will compare the attributes of abstracts and conclusions to understand their differences and similarities.

Definition

An abstract is a brief summary of the main points of a paper, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words. It provides an overview of the research topic, methodology, results, and conclusions of the study. Abstracts are usually placed at the beginning of a paper to give readers a quick glimpse of what to expect. On the other hand, a conclusion is the final section of a paper where the author summarizes the key findings, discusses the implications of the research, and suggests future directions for further study.

Content

The content of an abstract and a conclusion differs in terms of their focus and depth. Abstracts are more concise and objective, focusing on summarizing the main points of the paper without providing detailed explanations or interpretations. In contrast, conclusions are more detailed and subjective, as they allow the author to reflect on the significance of the research findings and offer their insights on the topic. While abstracts provide a snapshot of the entire paper, conclusions offer a more in-depth analysis of the research.

Length

Abstracts are typically shorter in length compared to conclusions. As mentioned earlier, abstracts are usually limited to 150-250 words, depending on the journal or publication guidelines. In contrast, conclusions can vary in length but are generally longer than abstracts. Conclusions allow authors to elaborate on the key findings of the study, discuss their implications, and suggest recommendations for future research. The length of a conclusion may also depend on the complexity of the research and the depth of analysis required.

Tone

The tone of an abstract is typically more formal and objective, as it aims to provide a neutral summary of the research without personal opinions or biases. Abstracts use clear and concise language to convey the main points of the paper to readers. On the other hand, conclusions have a more subjective tone, as authors are encouraged to express their opinions, interpretations, and reflections on the research findings. Conclusions often include the author's thoughts on the significance of the study and its implications for the field.

Placement

Abstracts are usually placed at the beginning of a paper, before the introduction, to provide readers with a quick overview of the research. Abstracts help readers decide whether the paper is relevant to their interests and whether they want to read the full text. In contrast, conclusions are placed at the end of the paper, after the discussion section, to provide closure to the reader. Conclusions summarize the key findings of the study and offer final thoughts on the research topic.

Function

The main function of an abstract is to provide a concise summary of the research paper, allowing readers to quickly grasp the main points without having to read the entire paper. Abstracts help readers determine the relevance of the research to their interests and decide whether to read further. On the other hand, the main function of a conclusion is to wrap up the paper by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications, and suggesting future research directions. Conclusions provide closure to the reader and leave them with a lasting impression of the study.

Similarities

Despite their differences, abstracts and conclusions share some similarities in terms of their purpose and structure. Both abstracts and conclusions aim to summarize the main points of the paper and provide a sense of closure to the reader. They both help readers understand the key findings of the research and their implications. Additionally, both abstracts and conclusions are essential components of a research paper, as they help convey the significance of the study to the academic community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, abstracts and conclusions are two important components of any academic or research paper. While abstracts provide a brief summary of the main points of the paper, conclusions offer a more detailed analysis of the research findings and their implications. Abstracts are more concise and objective, while conclusions are more subjective and reflective. Both abstracts and conclusions play a crucial role in summarizing the key points of the paper and providing closure to the reader.