{"id":3613,"date":"2022-11-01T11:54:06","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T11:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/?p=3613"},"modified":"2024-07-12T09:40:38","modified_gmt":"2024-07-12T09:40:38","slug":"lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities\/","title":{"rendered":"Lay Summary vs. Abstract: Differences, Similarities, and Tips for Researchers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3614 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-markus-spiske-1679618-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Lay summary vs. Abstract: Differences, similarities, and tips for researchers\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-markus-spiske-1679618-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-markus-spiske-1679618-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-markus-spiske-1679618-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-markus-spiske-1679618-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/pexels-markus-spiske-1679618-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While on the job, academics learn to distil their research into an Abstract, which typically precedes the main text of their paper in a journal or conference proceeding. Such an abstract is targeted at the readers of that journal. Different from this type of Abstract, a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay abstract<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or plain language summary might be required by your funder, research institute, and even some academic journals. Funding bodies require lay abstracts as a part of grant applications or to monitor progress on a project they are funding. A research institute might require them for press releases or to put them up on their institutional website. Of late, a growing number of journals ask for lay abstracts to increase the visibility of the research they publish.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities\/#Importance_of_a_lay_summary\" title=\"Importance of a lay summary\u00a0\">Importance of a lay summary\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities\/#Lay_summary_vs_Abstract_Similarities\" title=\"Lay summary vs. Abstract: Similarities\u00a0\">Lay summary vs. Abstract: Similarities\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities\/#Lay_summaries_vs_Abstracts_Differences\" title=\"Lay summaries vs. Abstracts: Differences\u00a0\">Lay summaries vs. Abstracts: Differences\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities\/#Approaches_and_tips_to_write_a_lay_summary\" title=\"Approaches and tips to write a lay summary\u00a0\">Approaches and tips to write a lay summary\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/blog\/article\/lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities\/#Final_notes\" title=\"Final notes\u00a0\u00a0\">Final notes\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_of_a_lay_summary\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Importance of a lay summary<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They are a useful way to relay complex information in a simple manner.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They allow an author\u2019s work to stand out and garner attention.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They can help raise interest and awareness on a particular topic among non-specialists and researchers from different specialties.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They provide accountability for the use of funds in research.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">They can help promote the impact of one\u2019s research with more media attention and higher mentions of and citations to the study.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lay_summary_vs_Abstract_Similarities\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lay summary vs. Abstract: Similarities<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Lay summaries and Abstracts have a similar purpose of communicating your findings to the world. They both are of similar lengths (in the region of 150\u2013300 words). In fact, in terms of overall structure, both are quite similar too. Both begin with an overview and context setting. Next come the aims and how you went about achieving them. Then come the key results, followed by the main takeaways and significance of the work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lay_summaries_vs_Abstracts_Differences\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lay summaries vs. Abstracts: Differences<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">While the framework is more or less the same, an Abstract in a research paper differs from a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> in terms of language and presentation, keeping in mind the intended audience.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An Abstract summarizes the contents of a research article to help the reader, typically a researcher in the same field, quickly grasp the purpose of the text. Meanwhile, a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> summarizes the contents of a research article for non-specialist audiences or members of funding body panels (researchers, but from different fields).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The language used in a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is simple and free of jargon and technical details.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A lay summary focuses on the relevance of the research, i.e., the \u201cwhy\u201d and \u201cso what?\u201d rather than the \u201chow?\u201d In other words, there is less emphasis on the methods used.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Abstracts are nearly always published with work that has already been performed, while a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> might be needed <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">before<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> you embark on a project (e.g., as part of your project proposal).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=r-blog&amp;utm_campaign=lay-summary-abstract\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2599 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14.png\" alt=\"Lay summary vs. Abstract: Differences, similarities, and tips for researchers\" width=\"2600\" height=\"564\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14.png 2600w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14-300x65.png 300w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14-1024x222.png 1024w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14-768x167.png 768w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14-1536x333.png 1536w, https:\/\/blog.researcher.life\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/MicrosoftTeams-image-14-2048x444.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2600px) 100vw, 2600px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Approaches_and_tips_to_write_a_lay_summary\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Approaches and tips to write a <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many researchers find writing a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> daunting because it differs from academic writing, which they are used to and skilled at. With practice and experience, however, writing a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can become an effortless and fun exercise! Let\u2019s dive into how to write one.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">First, check the format (length, structure, etc.) required. This is something you would do when writing a scientific Abstract as well.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep your audience in mind and mold the narrative strategically. Try to \u201ctalk\u201d to your audience.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make the opening sentence count. Explain the purpose of the study and why it is important.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keep your sentences clear, concise, and focused. The use of active verbs helps craft shorter sentences.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid jargon or technical terms; opt for short, simple words. If you need to include essential technical terms, explain them in simple terms, e.g.:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cPathway\u201d <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00e0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> a series of chemical reactions<\/span> <span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cGene expression\u201d <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00e0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> how genes make proteins that are used by cells<\/span> <span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cCell signaling\u201d <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00e0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> how cells communicate with each other.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559731&quot;:720,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Avoid using acronyms unless they are popularly known (e.g., DNA, COVID-19).<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Discuss the applications and relevance of the study using simple, everyday examples where possible. However, maintain a balance so you don\u2019t \u201cdumb down\u201d your work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Don\u2019t use sentences lifted verbatim from your paper or research paper Abstract.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Construct a title that is short and includes keywords and searchable terms. Select keywords and messages that will generate interest among readers and help them understand your work.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Calibri\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"7\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Finally, ask a non-scientist to read your <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> draft. Ask them which parts were difficult to comprehend. Rework those parts to make them simpler to grasp.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It is worthwhile to read sample lay summaries to get a hang of the structure and flow of such pieces. Impactful yet easy-to-read <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary examples<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> can be seen <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rscpromotionservices.impact.science\/assets\/samples\/Plain_Language_Summary_Sample_1.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rscpromotionservices.impact.science\/assets\/samples\/Plain_language_summary_Sample_2.pdf\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_notes\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Final notes\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay abstract<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> uses plain, everyday language to explain complex research in a way that can better connect authors with the general public, researchers from different fields, policymakers, and funders. It is a great idea to have a <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lay summary<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> ready for conferences, possible press releases, or even sharing on social media. Opening up your work to a whole new, untapped audience will help you increase your visibility and impact as a researcher!<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Editage All Access<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a subscription-based platform that unifies the best AI tools and services designed to speed up, simplify, and streamline every step of a researcher\u2019s journey. The <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities-boilerplate\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Editage All Access Pack<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a> <i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is a one-of-a-kind subscription that unlocks full access to an AI writing assistant, literature recommender, journal finder, scientific illustration tool, and exclusive discounts on professional publication services from Editage.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Based on 22+ years of experience in academia, <\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Editage All Access<\/span><\/i><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> empowers researchers to put their best research forward and move closer to success. Explore our top AI Tools pack, AI Tools + Publication Services pack, or Build Your Own Plan. Find everything a researcher needs to succeed, all in one place \u2013\u202f<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/researcher.life\/all-access-pricing?utm_source=contentmarketing&amp;utm_medium=rblog&amp;utm_campaign=lay-summary-vs-abstract-differences-similarities-boilerplate\"><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Get All Access now starting at just <\/span><\/i><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">$14<\/span><\/i><\/b><b><i><span data-contrast=\"none\"> a month<\/span><\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">!<\/span><\/i><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202f<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While on the job, academics learn to distil their research into an Abstract, which typically precedes the main text of their paper in a journal<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":3614,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[488],"tags":[438],"class_list":["post-3613","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-writing","tag-lay-summary-vs-abstract"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lay summary vs. Abstract: Differences, similarities and writing tips | Researcher.Life<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Lay summaries and Abstracts both communicate your findings to the world but they\u2019re not the same. 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