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Abstracts: The abstract should be a single paragraph (150 words or fewer) stating the nature of the investigation and summarizing its important conclusions. The abstract should be suitable for separate publication and be adequate for indexing.
Here's an outline to follow when putting together an abstract of research that you have either already done, or of work you plan to do.
Start with a sentence like this -- "This paper presents the research design, research problem, and anticipated possible results research conducted xxx"
Use one sentence to summarize your research problem and the reason the research is important.
Use one sentence to describe your research design and methodology (where, what, when, etc.)
Describe how you plan to analyze your data.
Possible results or outcomes (list at least three)
Put it all together, then e-mail me with your draft abstract. I will review it and give you personalized suggestions.
Structure of Tasks:
- Identify your topic
- Draft your proposal flowchart
- List research
- Procedures you plan to follow
- Other studies that provide background and history
- Key articles and books
Proposal Flowchart:
I. Introduction
(General area of project, objective of proposal)
II. Background
A. Current processes or techniques
B. Scientific/Mathematical analysis of above
III. Alternatives
(Scientific/Mathematical analysis of alternatives)
IV. Proposed method or idea
A. Detailed account of approach
B. Scientific/Mathematical support
V. Proposed studies (Studies and information required to implement process)
A. Data to be collected
B. Data in hand
C. Analysis -- how you propose to analyze your data
VI. References (can be preliminary) -- these will form the basis of your discussion of previous work in your research topic area
Samples:
Geophysical Studies of the Southwest Florida Coast -- 2001
Geophysical Mapping of Freshwater--Saltwater Interface -- 1999
Citation Guide important!!
University of Texas El Paso Dissertation / Thesis Guidelines
Required Work:
* Your research question
* Proposal flowchart -- please complete in as detailed manner as possible
* Sample Abstract over your research
* Preliminary research: a list of sources
Useful Links:
NMDP Research: How to Propose a Study
Minerals Research Request for Proposals
Requests for Proposals 2003: Iowa State Water Resources Research Institute
United States Geological Survey. Suggestions to Authors of the Reports of the United States Geological Survey. 7th ed. Washington: GPO, 1991.
Official Website: http://www.usgs.gov/
Explanatory Website: http://www.agu.org/pubs/contrib.html
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