Call for Abstracts
The 2013 Call for Abstracts is Closed
All conference presenters must be AAHN members.
Tips on Abstract Preparation
Source: From Study to Abstract: The Art of Describing the Essence of a Study.
Panel Presentation at 13th Annual AAHN Research Conference, October 12, 1996.
Panel: Barbara Brodie, Wanda Hiestand, Judith Stanley, JoAnn Widerquist; Patricia D'Antonio, moderator.
- Follow directions provided in the Call for Abstracts!
- The abstract must be well written; the clarity of the writing mirrors your thinking.
- Create an attractive, catchy title that captures the essence of the study.
- Choose verbs carefully; aim for passionate phrases using concise language.
- Write a good introductory paragraph which situates the study historically.
- Provide some concrete details of the study to entice the reader to want to learn more.
- List primary sources.
- Historical research emphasizes conclusions.
- Interweave research into today.
- Have colleagues read the abstract before submission.
The Abstract Review Committee of AAHN uses a score sheet that emphasizes:
- Clarity and focus
- Manageable for presentation
- Relevance for nursing history
- Richness, complexity and depth of analysis
- Appropriateness of sources regarding interpretations
- Adequacy of abstract
- Originality of idea
Bibliography on Abstract Writing
Compiled by
JoAnn Widerquist, RN, DMin, MA
Periodicals:
Case, Donald Owen. The Collection and Use of Information by Some American Historians: a Study of Motives and Methods. Library Quarterly. January, 1991. p. 61-82.
Evans, Jane C. The Art of Writing Successful Research Abstracts. Neonatal Network: The Journal of Neonatal Nursing. 13 (5) August, 1994. p. 49-52.
Ferrell, Betty R. On Writing Abstracts. Oncology Nursing Forum. 15 (4) Jul/Aug, 1988. p. 515-516.
Fidel, Raya. Writing Abstracts for Free-text Searching. Journal of Documentation. 42 (1) March, 1986. p. 11-21.
Fuller, Ellen O. Preparing an Abstract of a Nursing Study. Nursing Research. 32 (8) Sept/Oct., 1983. p. 316-317.
Juhl, Nyla, & Norman, Virginia L. Writing an Effective Abstract. Applied Nursing Research 2 (4) November, 1989. p. 189-193.
Kaplan, Robert B.: Cantor, Selena; Hagstrom, Cynthia; Kamhi-Stein, Lia D.; Shiotani, Yumiko; and Zimmerman, Cheryl Boyd. On Abstract Writing. Text. 14 (3) 1994. p. 401-426.
Lindquist, Ruth. Strategies for Writing a Competitive Research Abstract. Dimensions Critical Care Nursing. 12 (1) Jan/Feb, 1993. p. 46-53.
Mendelson, Michael. Teaching the Abstract as an Introduction to Technical Writing. Technical Writing Teacher. 14 (1) Winter, 1987. p.1-10.
Murdaugh, Carolyn. Writing a Research Abstract. Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing. 3 (3) 1988. p. 29-31.
Oberst, Marilyn. Writing Functional Abstracts. Research in Nursing and Health. 17 (1) Feb., 1994. p.1.
Rogers, Bonnie. Writing Abstracts. AAOHN Journal. 38 (1) 1990. p. 40.
Vaughn, David K. Abstracts and Summaries: Some Clarifying Distinctions. Technical Writing Teacher. 18 (2) Spring, 1991. p. 132-141.
Waller, P.R. and Ropka, M.E. Disseminating Research: Writing Abstracts. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDs Care. 4 (1) Jan/Mar, 1993. p.58-63.
Wheeler, James O. Writing Abstracts. Urban Geography. 17 (4) June, 1996. p. 283-285.
Books:
Cremmins, Edward T. The Art of Abstracting. Philadelphia: ISI Press. 1982.
Tibbo, Helen R. Abstracting, Information Retrieval and the Humanities: Providing Access to Historical Literature. Chicago and London: American Library Association. 1993.
