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How to Prepare Your Abstract Lunch and Learn July 28, 2016 Presented by Dr. Sandra Wiebe

Join Dr. Sandra Wiebe as she outlines the purpose, components, and common pitfalls of writing an effective abstract. Learn how to engage readers and convey your research question, methods, results, and conclusions. Don't miss this valuable opportunity to enhance your abstract writing skills!

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How to Prepare Your Abstract Lunch and Learn July 28, 2016 Presented by Dr. Sandra Wiebe

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  1. How to Prepare Your AbstractLunch and LearnJuly 28, 2016Presented by Dr. Sandra Wiebe

  2. Welcome Welcome & Reminder Welcome to this WCHRI Lunch and Learn! For those of you who have received WCHRI support, please note that your participation at WCHRI Research Day (November 16, 2016) is required. Please refer to the program guidelines.

  3. Outline The purpose of an abstract The components of an abstract Common pitfalls and how to avoid them First steps to writing your abstract

  4. What is the purpose of your abstract? To engage the reader To convey your research question, process and outcomes To highlight the importance of your work Conference abstracts: will conference attendees benefit from learning about your research? Publications: should a potential reader invest the time in downloading and reading your paper?

  5. Standard components of an abstract Title Introduction (purpose) Methods Results Conclusions

  6. The Title Your title might be the only thing that people read—use this as an opportunity to “hook” the reader’s interest. Avoid making your title too broad, vague, or dense. Include key words for your topic. Include a verb if possible – easier for the reader to process.

  7. The Introduction (Purpose) Why did you do this study? (e.g., gap in previous research, response to major health issue) What is your study about? (the topic – be specific) What was your research question and/or study objective? Keep this part of your abstract short

  8. Methods How did you carry out your study? Study design Population/sample Tools (e.g., experimental manipulations, cognitive tests, assays…) Statistical methods Make sure this is understandable to someone outside your area.

  9. Results What were your study findings? Stick to the facts (no ‘fish stories’)

  10. Conclusions What is the main point you want your audience to take home? Use your research questionsor hypotheses as a guide Present your results in a meaningful context (e.g., the problem that motivated your study)

  11. Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)

  12. Consider your audience! Know whether you’re writing for colleagues in your area or field vs. health researchers more broadly vs. knowledge users/decision makers vs. general public Different levels of background information Jargon Avoid abbreviations (introduce if necessary)

  13. Writing issues Be clear and concise – get straight to the point! Include all required elements – avoid writing a research plan or drowning the reader in data without a “story” Aim for an objective tone – don’t try to sway the reader with enthusiasm or bias Proofread carefully for Typographical and grammatical errors Jargon Before submitting, get feedback fromyour supervisor, lab mates, friends…

  14. Specific requirements Different conferences have different requirements – be sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid having your abstract rejected on a technicality. Be aware of requirements for length, authorship, formatting, inclusion of figures, etc. Where you are expected to select a review panel or category, select the most appropriate one If you are not sure, ask – start with your supervisor!

  15. Authorship Discuss authorship with your supervisor – different fields have different norms and expectations Refer to: “Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journal”: http://www.icmje.org/icmje-recommendations.pdf

  16. Authorship Conferences may limit: The number of authors that may be listed on an abstract The number of abstracts you may submit and/or co-author

  17. More considerations… Consider using the chemical or generic name of drugs where trademark names may not be appropriate Do not include references (unless instructions specify otherwise)

  18. WCHRI Research Day WCHRI Research Day 2016 will be held on November 16th at the Westin Hotel. Access the registration & abstract submission site at: http://www.wchri.org/research-day-registration Submission deadline: October 7

  19. Abstract Requirements Specific to WCHRI There are four required sections: Introduction, Methods, Results and Conclusions You can use symbols and special formatting Copy and paste from a source document. You may not exceed 400 words.

  20. Abstract Requirements Specific to WCHRI The presenter does not need to be the first author. You may include up to 15 authors. You may only submit 1 abstract per registrant. Please make sure you (and your supervisor) proofread your abstract before submission to avoid typos—your submission is final!

  21. Reader Checklist

  22. Thank you! Thank you for your attendance at this Lunch and Learn. We look forward to seeing you at WCHRI Research Day!!

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