APA Style: 2.9 Abstract & Keywords (p. 38). How to Format the Abstract and Keywords?

Abstract

First of all, the abstract is placed on its own page after the title page (i.e., page 2). Here is an example.

[Format of the label “Abstract”]

1. Bold
2. Title case
3. Centered at the top of the page (i.e., page 2)
4. (Contents are placed immediately below the label: without an empty line between the label and contents)

[Format of the Contents]

1. (Typically) No more than 250 words.
2. A brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of the paper.
3. Abstract may appear in paragraph or structured format.
   1. Paragraph format
      1. Written as a single paragraph.
      2. No indentation of the first line.
      3. (Do not center the paragraph)
   2. Structured format
      1. Written as a single paragraph.
      2. No indentation of the first line.
      3. Labels are inserted to identify various sections (e.g., Objective, Method, Results, Conclusions)

Keywords

[Format of the label, “Keywords:”]

1. Immediately below the abstract contents
2. Italic
3. Indented 0.5 in. (Treat it like a regular paragraph – do not center the keywords).

[Format of the contents]

1. Keywords are words, phrases, or acronyms that describe the most important aspects of the paper.
2. Provide three to five keywords.
3. Lowercase
   1. But capitalize proper nouns
4. Separated by commas
5. Order does not matter (the first keywords does not have to be the most representative keyword)
6. No punctuation after the last keyword (no period at the end).
7. If the keywords run onto a second line, the second line is not indented.