Regarding academic writing, “keywords after abstract” is pivotal in optimizing searchability. This blog delves into the importance of keywords after the abstract, including answering some commonly asked questions.
What Does “Keywords” Mean in an Abstract?
Keywords are important terms selected from your research paper that best summarize the main ideas of your study. They play a crucial role in the following:
– Enhancing searchability
– Assisting in indexing
– Providing a quick overview of your research
– Connecting your work to related studies in the field
By using relevant keywords, you can help create a network of information, aiding other researchers in finding and citing your work, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of your academic discipline.
Does an Abstract Have to Have Keywords?
Yes, including keywords in an abstract is highly recommended for the above reasons. They help researchers and readers swiftly identify the content of your work and decide whether it is relevant to their interests.
How Do You Write Keywords in an Abstract?
To write keywords in an abstract, follow these steps:
- Review your research paper and underline critical terms or phrases
- Select 4-8 terms that best describe your study
- List the keywords after the abstract, usually in a separate line or section
- Use a consistent font, sequence, and punctuation throughout
In addition, it is essential to refrain from using overly general keywords that do not adequately reflect your paper’s content. Select specific terms that capture the essence of your research and enable researchers to easily find your work.
Should Keywords be Capitalized?
No, keywords should not be capitalized unless they are proper nouns. Keep them in lowercase to maintain consistency and avoid confusion.
The Importance of Primary and Secondary Keywords
Primary Keywords
The primary keywords refer to the main subjects, themes, or concepts discussed in your paper. These are critical in highlighting the core ideas and increasing visibility among relevant searches.
Secondary Keywords
Secondary keywords are related to the research objectives, methodology, findings/results, discussion, and theory/framework. Including these secondary keywords helps to:
– Ensure a comprehensive representation of your work
– Provide specific details on your research approach
– Target a broader range of potential readers
– Assist in categorizing your paper within the research field and establishing connections to sub-disciplines or interdisciplinary studies.
Look at this picture to better understand primary and secondary keywords. 
Source: https://ahrefs.com/blog/how-many-seo-keywords/
Conclusion
In conclusion, including primary and secondary keywords after the abstract is essential in academic writing. It increases visibility, enables readers to understand your research more efficiently, and allows better search engine indexing. By following these guidelines and employing the discussed strategies, your research paper will significantly impact your respective field. Remember to keep your keywords relevant, clear, and concise for the best results. Find right keywords for your research paper or thesis with our expert team at manuscriptedit.com