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a. The Theoretical Motivation

It deals with the problem that the article want to solve and/or the reason
of why the research has to be done.

b. The Method

The method is about how the researcher(s) did the research. It may be
stated in specific method or a series of steps in conducting the research.

c. The Independent Variable

The independent variable is the thing which is changed in order to get the
data. For example, in a journal article which discusses about the correlation

between the students’ cooperative assignment and the students’ comprehension,
the independent variable is the cooperative assignment.

d. The Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is the thing which is measured or being

researched. For example, in a journal article which discusses about the correlation

between the students’ cooperative assignment and the students’ comprehension,
the dependent variable is the students’ comprehension.
e. The Finding

The finding shows the trend of the data. It states the general finding of

the research.
f. The Principal Conclusion

The principal conclusion is the effect of the finding on a certain aspect.

Here is an example of an abstract from a journal article written by Cottey

(2004) and its elements.
The Title:
Knowledge Production in a Cooperative Economy
The Abstract:
No. The Elements of the Abstract

1. The Theoretical motivation:
Knowledge here means something similar to but broader than science – it

is reliable but not necessarily as systematic or explicit. A cooperative
economy is contrasted with the competitive economy that has dominated

political thinking almost everywhere for about half a century – the

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