An abstract is a summary of a research paper or other document that provides a brief overview of the main points and findings of the document. In the field of psychology, abstracts are often used to introduce research articles, conference presentations, and other materials to readers.
A good research abstract in psychology should provide a clear and concise overview of the study, including the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions. It should be written in a way that is accessible to a general audience, and it should be free of jargon and technical language.
Here are a few examples of research abstracts in psychology:
Example 1:
Title: "The Effects of Social Support on Depression in Older Adults"
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between social support and depression in a sample of older adults. Participants were recruited from a community center and completed measures of social support, depression, and demographic information. Results showed that higher levels of social support were significantly associated with lower levels of depression. These findings suggest that social support may be an important factor in preventing or reducing depression in older adults.
Example 2:
Title: "The Influence of Parenting Styles on Children's Self-Esteem"
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between parenting styles and children's self-esteem. Participants were recruited from local elementary schools and completed measures of parenting styles, self-esteem, and demographic information. Results showed that authoritative parenting was significantly related to higher levels of self-esteem in children, while authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were not significantly associated with self-esteem. These findings suggest that an authoritative parenting style may be most beneficial for promoting positive self-esteem in children.
Example 3:
Title: "The Impact of Social Media Use on Adolescent Mental Health"
Abstract: This study examined the relationship between social media use and mental health in adolescents. Participants were recruited from a high school and completed measures of social media use, mental health, and demographic information. Results showed that higher levels of social media use were significantly associated with lower levels of mental health. These findings suggest that social media use may be a risk factor for mental health problems in adolescents.
In summary, research abstracts in psychology provide a concise overview of a study's main points and findings. They are an important tool for communicating research to a general audience, and they can help researchers share their work with a wider audience.