How Do You Write an Abstract for a Review Paper?

Writing an abstract for a review paper can be challenging, especially if you are writing one for the first time. Unlike an original research paper, a review paper does not usually present the results of one experiment or study. Instead, it brings together findings from existing research and explains what the overall literature tells us.

This means an abstract for review paper needs a slightly different approach. It should briefly explain the topic, purpose of the review, how the literature was examined when relevant, the main findings or themes, and the overall takeaway.

If you are wondering how to write abstract for review paper, the key is to focus on the overall message of the literature rather than summarizing individual studies.

What Is a Review Paper Abstract?

A review paper abstract is a short summary of a review article. It gives readers a quick understanding of what the review is about, why it was conducted, what literature was considered, and what the review found.

Depending on the type of review, an abstract may include:

• The research problem or topic
• The objective of the review
• The type or scope of the review
• The literature search or selection approach
• Major findings, themes, or trends
• Research gaps
• The main conclusion or implication

The exact abstract format can vary between journals, so authors should always check the journal's guidelines before submitting their manuscript.

How Is a Review Abstract Different From an Original Research Abstract?

One of the most common mistakes is treating a review article abstract exactly like an original research abstract.

An original research abstract usually describes what the researchers did and what they found in their own study. A review abstract, on the other hand, summarizes and synthesizes evidence from existing studies.

For example, an original study might say:

A review might instead say:

The difference is important. A review abstract should show what the body of literature collectively tells us, not simply list what individual researchers have reported.

What Should a Review Article Abstract Include?

There are five basic elements that can be used to create a helpful abstract structure:

1. Background

Briefly introduce the topic and explain why it matters.

Don't use too much of your words on general information. The problem in the research should be easily recognized by the reader.

2. Objective

Specify the nature of the review (examine, evaluate, compare, or synthesize).

Useful phrases include:

• "This review examines…"
• "This review synthesizes…"
• "The present review evaluates…"
• "This article reviews…"

3. Review Approach

Briefly explain how the literature was examined when this information is important.

This can be the databases searched, the period of publications, the eligibility criteria, or the number of studies included, depending on whether it is a systematic or scoping review.

Narrative review can be much less methodologically detailed.

4. Main Findings

One of the most significant components of the abstract for a review article.

Do not simply write:

Tell readers what those studies all showed.

For example:

This provides a real "take away" for readers.

5. Conclusion

Conclude at the bottom of the review with the main implication.

Instead of simply saying:

Explain what is lacking and why it is important.

How to Write an Abstract for a Review Paper Step by Step

Before starting abstract writing, determine what type of review you have conducted.

Common types include:

• Narrative review
• Systematic review
• Scoping review
• Meta-analysis
• Critical review
• Integrative review

The style of review will affect the kind of information you should be providing.

For instance, systematic reviews typically require more details regarding the search and study selection process, and narrative reviews tend to be more detailed about the scope, themes and interpretation of the literature.

Start with one or two sentences that establish the topic.

For example:

This is more useful than opening with a broad statement such as:

The beginning should move directly towards the purpose of the review.

Then, provide a statement of your review question.

For example:

Stay on point with this sentence. You should let your readers know the theme of your review right away.

If you have a systematic or structured search, summarise the search approach.

For example:

The entire search strategy need not be included in the abstract.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses may require reporting guidance like PRISMA, which includes information on eligibility, information sources, search dates, included studies, and key findings.

This is the time for an abstract to go beyond description and offer synthesis.

Ask yourself:

You might identify:

• Major themes
• Consistent findings
• Conflicting evidence
• Emerging trends
• Research gaps
• Differences between populations or settings

Important pooled results or effect estimates may also be reported in the abstract for a meta-analysis.

The last sentence should include the main point that the reader should take away.

For example:

A strong ending should provide the abstract with purpose rather than the repetition of the topic.

How Does the Abstract Change With the Type of Review?

There is no single abstract writing format that works for every review.

For a narrative review, you may have more room to explain the central themes and interpretation.

For a systematic review, the methodology becomes more important.

For a meta-analysis, the quantitative findings should receive appropriate attention.

The journal may also require a structured abstract with headings such as Background, Objective, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. Other journals may prefer one continuous paragraph. Always follow the target journal's instructions.

Review Paper Abstract Example

Here is a simple review paper abstract example to show how these elements can work together:

The example is not given for each study. It summarizes the key findings and provides readers with a synthesis of the review.

What Counts as "Results" in a Review Paper?

It is a frequently asked question of researchers.

What, if anything, do you put in the "Results" portion of the abstract if you don't do an experiment?

The following are examples of findings that may be reported in a review:

• Patterns across studies
• Major themes
• Areas of agreement
• Conflicting results
• Emerging trends
• Evidence gaps
• Relationships identified across studies
• Pooled findings in a meta-analysis

So instead of writing:

Make an attempt to describe what those studies found.

For example:

This is a lot more informative and it really does exhibit some level of synthesis.

Common Mistakes in Review Paper Abstract Writing

The abstract of a well-researched review can be weak. Common issues are:

Writing It Like an Original Research Abstract

When your article is based on existing literature, do not describe participants, experiments or original datasets.

Giving Too Much Background

The abstract should not contain too much background information. Only include necessary background to set up research problem.

Listing Studies Instead of Synthesizing Them

Don't just list papers and the findings, readers want the big picture.

Being Vague About Findings

Statements like "many studies found important results" are of little value to the reader. State the actual pattern/observation.

Making Unsupported Claims

Your abstract should faithfully reflect the content of your complete review.

Ending With "More Research Is Needed"

If there is a gap in research, be sure to state it exactly, not merely a general statement.

Ignoring Journal Requirements

Before submitting, verify word count, headings, formatting, keywords and other instructions.

How Long Should a Review Paper Abstract Be?

No fixed word count for each review article. The length of the abstract varies from one journal to another and one type of article to another, but is typically 150-350 words.

Before submitting, check:

• Word limit
• Structured or unstructured format
• Required headings
• Keyword requirements
• Whether citations are allowed
• Abbreviation rules
• Any reporting guidelines

Don't include extraneous data just because you have room. Typically, a focused abstract will be more useful than one that attempts to summarize each section of the review.

How to Choose Keywords for a Review Paper

Keywords tell your readers and academic databases the topic of your paper.

Select key words pertaining to the topic, population, concept, method or research area.

For instance, a Digital Learning review could incorporate:

• Digital learning
• Online education
• Higher education
• Student engagement
• E-learning
• Educational technology

Do not use very general terms like "research" or "education."

Look at the number of keywords your target journal requires, too. There may be differences among journals in the requirements for keywords.

Simple Template for a Review Paper Abstract

If you don't know where to start this is a simple template you can use:

In a narrative review, these elements are not necessarily required to be separate paragraphs, they can be combined into a single paragraph. A systematic review must be conducted in a structured format as required by the journal and reporting guidance.

The template is not an end-all, end-all. The final abstract should be based on the text of your review.

Abstract Writing Tips for a Stronger Review

The following few tips on abstract writing, though largely abstract, may prove to be of much help in the final version:

• Write the final abstract after completing the main review.
• Keep the background brief.
• Make the review objective specific.
• Identify the review type when useful.
• Mention the literature-search approach when required.
• Focus on synthesized findings rather than individual studies.
• Make the final statement match the evidence.
• Avoid unnecessary citations and abbreviations.
• Use clear and direct language.
• Stay within the journal's word limit.
• Make sure the abstract accurately represents the full paper.
• Choose specific and relevant keywords.

A useful final test is simple: Could someone understand the purpose, approach, major findings, and main takeaway of your review just by reading the abstract? If not, it probably needs another round of editing.

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