Guidelines for Writing the 500-Word English Abstract

Both in terms of content and in terms of format, the abstract should be organized
according to the four sections described below:
Introduction
Provide a brief theoretical background in which to introduce the hypotheses or
research questions of the study. The theoretical statement or literature review should be
brief. Its purpose is to introduce some of the major hypotheses and research questions,
which are clearly more important than the literature review. On the other hand, it is not
acceptable simply to list the hypotheses and research questions. They must be presented
within a theoretical context, which must be succinct. Use present tense to state factual
information and use past tense to report specific findings of the past as well as the
hypotheses, research questions, and objectives of the present study of yours.
Method
Please include sampling procedures, sample size, instruments used, a brief
description of the experiments or other data collection procedures, and statistical analyses
that were used. Please present concrete and factual information in this section. Use past
tense to describe what you did in terms of methods and procedures.
Results
Present the main findings of the study, which can be organized in tabular or numeric
order. Please be specific with your findings. Examples of a vague and a clear or specific
findings are presented below for illustration:
Vague: Path analysis showed that W moderated the relation between X and Y.
Specific: As a moderator, W strengthened (or weakened) the positive relation
between X and Y.
Vague: There was a relation between X and Y.
Specific: There was a positive or negative relation between X and Y. Also, please
use relation but not relationship.
This section should be written primarily in past tense.
Conclusions
Present major theoretical contributions and practical implications of the study. Do
not repeat the literature but stick with your own findings and their implications. Again, be
specific but not vague. For example, only saying The present findings have important
practical implications is vague. This statement should be followed by specific
recommendations. For example, Mental health professionals should pay attention not
only to sources of life stress but also to how students interpret their life events and what
life philosophies they subscribe to. Use past tense to report specific findings either from
your study or from the literature and use present tense to state facts, inferences, or
implications that are derived either from the literature or from your own study.

Please make sure the English grammar is correct. If possible, please find an English
speaker or someone who is good with English, e.g., professional translators, to check
your abstract before turning it in.
4 Introduction, Method, Results, Conclusion word

The Editorial Board

February 28, 2006