Are you an education student writing term papers for your class? Or maybe you are a psychology student and you are working on a research for your project or assignment? Or maybe you're a social science major who's troubled by the requirements that need to be met in your research project? If so, then the APA abstract example is one thing you need to know

APA stands for American Psychological Association. APA Format is the format used in citing important sources in education, social sciences or psychology. It was introduced in a 1929 article written in the Psychological Bulletin. The article wrote the basic guidelines to be followed in using the APA Format, which eventually became the APA Publication manual.

After you have finished writing your research paper, it is now time to create your abstract. An abstract is the summary of your research paper. According to APA Style Manual, an abstract should not be longer than 250 words. Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Your research will be your guide to creating your abstract. While the abstract sits above the whole paper, it will be the last thing you will do. After you have drafted your paper, it is time to write your abstract. Be sure to start on a new page when writing your abstract.

2. The word ‘Abstract' should be at the center of your page. The running head and the page number should be placed at the top right hand corner of your paper.

3. Count your words. According to the APA Style Manual, your abstract should not exceed 250 words. You must not only copy and paste the contents of your research paper. Rather, read the whole paper and extract the most important information in each section. Run the whole page in the word counter to see whether or not you have exceeded the required number of words. The Abstract should always be in block format. Also, when you are using numbers, except those in the beginning sentences, should be typed in digits and not in words.

4. Write your abstract in order. As was your whole paper, the abstract should no less be in order. Begin with a brief Introduction, then your summary of method, results and discussion of your paper. The sentences should be written in past tense.

5. Create a draft. While it is necessary to count every word to use, do not be enclosed with this requirement. First, try to write two or three sentences of each section, juicing out the most important parts. Afterwards, you can edit and re-edit for the final sentence to be used. It is not necessary to aim on creating the shortest sentence possible, as this may make your abstract lacking the most important elements. Just make sure that you comply to the maximum number of words, and create sentences which are relevant.

6. Try looking at other journals or papers made in APA Format. But DO NOT copy everything. Read and take note of the things that should be included in your paper. Take note also of the formatting, and how the abstract was composed.