Elements of an Abstract
The format of your abstract will depend on the work being abstracted. An abstract of a scientific research paper will contain elements not found in an abstract of a literature article, and vice versa. However, all abstracts share several mandatory components, and there are also some optional parts that you can decide to include or not. When preparing to draft your abstract, keep the following key process elements in mind:
Reason for writing: What is the importance of the research? Why would a reader be interested in the larger work?
Problem: What problem does this work attempt to solve? What is the scope of the project? What is the main argument/thesis/claim?
Methodology: An abstract of a scientific work may include specific models or approaches used in the larger study. Other abstracts may describe the types of evidence used in the research. [Note: For Capstone, you will be focused on the methods of your literature and data search and selection]
Results: Again, an abstract of a scientific work may include specific data that indicates the results of the project. Other abstracts may discuss the findings in a more general way. [Note: For Capstone you will be focused on summarizing the results of your selection of literature and data.]
Implications [or Conclusions]: What changes should be implemented as a result of the findings of the work? How does this work add to the body of knowledge on the topic? [Note: For Capstone, you will be focused on summarizing your thoughts, impressions, conclusions, and recommendations based on your analysis of your literature and data selections.]
Source: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/abstracts/