Which steps of the research process may be included in an article's abstract?

An article's abstract generally serves as a concise summary of the research and is designed to give readers a quick overview of the study's essential components. This includes identifying the phenomenon being studied, the specific research question that guides the investigation, and the design or methodology that was employed to conduct the research. These elements are critical because they establish the context and rationale for the study and outline how the research was structured to explore the research question.

Including these aspects in the abstract helps orient readers, allowing them to quickly grasp the focus and framework of the research. This is particularly important for those looking to assess the relevance of the study to their own work or interests without having to read the entire paper. Clear identification of the phenomenon and research design is foundational for understanding subsequent findings and implications discussed in the full article.