Re: paleonet The nature of abstracts

[Peter Paul Smolka <smolka@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Tue, 9 Nov 2004, Duncan McLean wrote:

> Date: Tue,  9 Nov 2004 10:35:52 +0000
> From: Duncan McLean <d.mclean@sheffield.ac.uk>
> Reply-To: paleonet@nhm.ac.uk
> To: paleonet@nhm.ac.uk
> Subject: paleonet The nature of abstracts
>
> Dear Paleonet,
>
> A recent posting  reminded me of many hours arguing with students over what an
> abstract should contain. Whenever "is discussed" appears in an abstract I have
> red flags popping up. I was eventually saved by discovering a largely
> ignored(or so it seems) short comment by Landes (1951) which clearly argues the
> case for informative abstracts, and to which I would refer you all.
>
> LANDES , K.K., 1951. A scrutiny of the abstract. Bulletin of the American
> Association of Petroleum Geologist, 35, 1660.
>
> Though, as life is short, I have reproduced his abstract below:
>
> "ABSTRACT The behavior of editors is discussed. What should be covered by an
> abstract is considered. The importance of an abstract is described. Dictionary
> definitions of "abstract" are quoted. At the conclusion a revised abstract is
> presented."
>
> His conclusion is:
>
> "ABSTRACT The abstract is of utmost importance, for it is read by 10 to 500
> times more people than hear or read the entire article. It should not be a mere
>
> recital of the subjects covered, replete with such expressions as "is discussed"
> and "is described." It should be a condensation and concentration of the
> essential qualities of the paper."
>
> Much current practice indicates that there is another view contrary to that held
> by Landes and me. Perhaps some out there in Paleonet Land would care to defend
> it?

Dear Duncan,

an abstract contains "the publication in a nutshell".

A publication contains one or mor main findings. These may or may
not include a methodology.

In addition it may or may include a discussion of related aspects
beyond the main findings.

Referring to these as "is discussed" I regard as acceptable in
if above applies.

Example:

Main Finding: Earth is a sphere.

Related aspects: Other models, such as ellipsoid, geoid-undulation,
impact of inhomogenities in the earth mantle are discussed.

That is: If the related aspects are not the most important for the paper
but relevant to readers they might be mentioned so such readers know
they should read the paper.

Background of this example, formulated with a polite smile:

A paper intended for an IT journal, were earth (on a CDROM or DVD)
appears to the user normally as discoid.
>
> Regards,
>
> Duncan McLean
>
> Palynology Research Facility,
> University of Sheffield,

Best regards

Peter Smolka


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Dr. Peter P. Smolka
University Muenster
Geological Institute
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