1. What is an abstract?
    An abstract is a summary of an academic research paper, thesis, review, conference proceeding or any in-depth analysis of a subject or discipline.
  2. Is this a well-organised and clear abstract?
    Yes, this is very clearly organized with effectively used sub-headings which are not usually present in an abstract. This is far more reader-friendly than the standard paragraph format.
  3. If you were writing a paper on head trauma in sport, do you think this would be a useful research reference?
    The abstract alone would probably not be a useful reference but clearly the content within the paper it summarises, would be significant.
  4. What interesting conclusion does this paper reach which does not agree with the implications suggested in Text 1?
    This abstract suggests that there is no connection between a decline in severe head trauma injuries and a reduction in the number of rounds from 15 to 12 in regular boxing matches after 1983. However, Text 1 clearly implies that there is a connection.
  5. How could you use Text 1 and Text 2 together as referencing source material in your paper?
    You could use the content of Text 1 that is factual, verifiable and relevant e.g. it is true that Kim’s mother committed suicide after his death and that she did so because of a broken heart, however, it is irrelevant.

    Text 2 in itself is not a comprehensive source of referencing material, however as already mentioned, the paper to which it refers is clearly a credible source.