The key information that needs to be communicated in the Abstract is:

1. Why was there a need to do this study?;
2. How was the study carried out?;
3. What key aspects/limitations of the study would a reader need to be aware of?;
4. What exactly was done?;
5. What were the findings?, and finally;
6. How exactly does the new knowledge that has been generated serve to advance the field?

• Write the abstract after finishing the paper.
• Be accurate. Only include information in the original document.
• Be concise, get right to the point and use precise language. Include only 4 or 5 of the most important concepts, findings or implications.
• Do not refer to the author (e.g., “Dr. Seuss argues”).
• Do not refer to what type of document you are abstracting (e.g., “This book describes”).
• Use active verbs whenever possible.
• Use complete sentences.
• Avoid jargon or colloquialisms.
• Use familiar terminology whenever you can (and always explain terms that may be unfamiliar to the average reader).

Resources consulted: Abstract. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. Abstracts. Introduction to Scholarly Communication. Purdue University Libraries. The Abstract. Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper. University of Southern California Libraries. How to Write a Research Abstract. The Office of Undergraduate Studies. University of Kentucky. Writing Abstracts. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University. Writing an Abstract for an Article, Proposal or Report. UNM Biology Undergraduate Labs. University of New Mexico.

Thanks to Kent State University Libraries for this great set of tips and resources! 

Additional Tips for Writing Scientific Abstracts:

1. Why was there a need to do this study?
2. How was the study carried out?
3. What key aspects/limitations of the study would a reader need to be aware of?
4. What exactly was done?
5. What were the findings?
6. How exactly does the new knowledge that has been generated serve to advance the field?