Tips for Preparing Your Proposal
The proposal abstract is a brief summary of the work you would like to present at the conference. The abstract should be between 250-350 words, single-spaced, using Times New Roman 12-point font. Click here for a sample of the format to be used.
A good proposal abstract is:
1. Accurate: Ensure that the abstract correctly reflects the purpose and content of your presentation. Do not include irrelevant information or any additional information that will not appear in the body of your presentation.
2. Self-contained: Define all abbreviations and acronyms. Spell out names. Define unique terms. Paraphrase rather than quote.
3. Concise and Specific: Make it maximally informative, especially the lead sentence. Be as brief as possible.
4. Coherent and Readable: Write in clear and vigorous prose. Use verbs rather than noun equivalents. Use active rather than passive voice. Use the present tense to describe results with continuing applicability or the conclusions drawn.
Research-related abstracts must include:
- Introduction (hypothesis, reasoning)
- Objectives (significance of research to the field)
- Method
- Results (partial or full)
- Conclusion (implications of research)
- IRB/IACUC protocol number, if appropriate
Art-related abstracts must include:
- Introduction (How/why did you choose the topic?)
- Objectives (What did you hope to achieve? What inspired you?)
- Process (How did you develop or create your work? What methods did you use?)
- Results (Did the work turn out as you planned? Why or why not?)