Com 201 Abstract Assignment

COM 201 Paper #1: Abstract

An article abstract is really nothing more than a brief summary of the most important information found in the article. Though this definition sounds simple, writing a good abstract requires quite a bit of effort. Abstracting articles, however, can be very useful when you are building an argument for a larger paper or project, and you need to recall the details of what you have read in support of your case. How to successfully write your abstract is described below.

For Paper #1, you will need to find a journal article that tests or applies one of the theories in your Dainton & Zelley textbook. If you haven't already done so, you should look over the theories in the section of the textbook that correspond with the communication context that interests you most (e.g., interpersonal communication, mass media, etc.). For the Library Workshop on September 14, you should either bring your D&Z textbook or a list of the theories that you are most interested in researching more.

Your abstract should be ONE SINGLE-SPACED PAGE (approximately 500 words).

You must choose articles written using empirical research (i.e., experiments, surveys, interviews, etc.). Some of the communication journals include historical essays and pieces of rhetorical or film criticism. Though historical/critical research is a legitimate part of the field of communication, these types of articles will not work for this assignment. If you are not sure whether an article is appropriate for this assignment, please check with me. If you choose an article that is not of the correct type, you will lose points.

READ THE JOURNAL ARTICLE CAREFULLY and following the guidelines below to write your abstract.

1. At the top of the page, list the BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION for your article in correct APA format (see the COM 201 webpage for some helpful links). Provide author names, article title, journal title, volume, date, page numbers, etc.

2. In paragraph form, in your own words (as much as possible), put the following information into the text of your abstract:

Briefly state the COMMUNICATION THEORY that is being tested or applied in the article, as well as what specific part of the theory is being tested/applied (though it may be the entire theory that is being studied). What general purpose or research question did the author(s) have in mind?
Explain any KEY CONCEPTS that are central to understanding the article, especially those related to the theory being tested/applied.
Describe the METHODOLOGY used to conduct the research. Your summary should be clear and concise, so that a reader may quickly tell how the research was conducted. Describing the methodology properly includes reporting: (a) the number and types of participants/texts used; (b) the procedure(s) used to gather data, such as lab experiment, survey, interview, etc.; (c) the independent and dependent variables of interest to the researcher; and (d) how the variables were measured (e.g., specific scales used, observed behaviors, etc.)
Next, describe the RESULTS of the study. What did the researcher(s) learn as a result of the study? Did they answer the questions they set out to answer? Read the "Results" and "Conclusions" sections carefully to do this.
Finally, write a DISCUSSION about your thoughts on the research, showing that you understood what you read. Give suggestions as to how the researchers might have done things differently. What things were done well? What things could have been done better? Provide your own ideas and questions about the article. To help you write this section, read the TIPS for reading articles provided on the COM 201 page.

3. Don't forget to include and sign the "Statement of Academic Integrity" with your paper.

4. Attach a COMPLETE PHOTOCOPY (this means you should copy the entire list of references too) of the article you have chosen with your abstract when you submit it.

5. E-MAIL ME A COPY OF YOUR FINAL ABSTRACT. I can read both WordPerfect and Microsoft Word files. Save your file as an .rtf or .txt file if you don't use either of these word processing programs. If you need help attaching a file, come see me and I'll show you how! (I do not need an e-mailed copy of the rough draft)

Research Stages You Will Probably See Demonstrated In Your Articles
1. Pose/develop a problem in need of a solution
2. Review pertinent past research and writings
3. Identify worthy questions unanswered by previous investigations
4. Devise a method to seek answers
5. Gather the necessary information (data) to answer question
6. Analyze the information
7. Present results of objective, systematic inquiry
8. Discuss meaning and implications for future research

The rough draft of this assignment is due on September 28, for the in-class workshop. If you bring your rough draft to class on this day, you will have until October 1st to turn in your final draft of Paper #1. If you choose not to come to the workshop, the final draft is due on September 28. [Really, why would you miss out on the chance to go over and polish your paper with your classmates' help?]

CLICK HERE for Examples of Paper #1