Abstract vs. Introduction: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between the abstract and introduction is that the abstract is a brief summary of the entire paper whereas the introduction is an opening statement that provides context and background information on the topic.
Before we move to more differences, let’s first understand Abstract and Introduction:
- Abstract: The abstract is a concise summary of the entire research paper, typically ranging from 150 to 250 words. It should provide a clear overview of the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of the paper.
- Introduction: The introduction is the first section of the paper that introduces the research topic, establishes its significance, and provides background information.
Now, let’s get to Abstract vs Introduction:
Major differences between Abstract and Introduction
| Abstract | Introduction |
|---|---|
| The abstract appears at the beginning of the paper. | The introduction follows the abstract. |
| The abstract should not include any references or citations. | The introduction may cite previous research or relevant literature. |
| The abstract highlights the key points of the research paper. | The introduction sets the stage for the reader to understand the purpose and significance of the research. |
| The abstract is often the only section of the paper that is read by others. | The introduction provides a more detailed overview of the research topic. |
| The abstract is typically shorter than the introduction. | The introduction is typically longer than the abstract. |
So, these are the main differences between the entities.
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