Dear SAE 550 Class Members--

Remember that your RESEARCH PAPER ABSTRACT is due next week!  Just in
case you need some assistance in forming that abstract... read on!

First, you'll need to pick a TOPIC.  Please refer to the class webpage
for a list of topics that have been used in prior semesters.

Please refer to the "How to Write a Research Paper for This Class"
document (the class website has a link to that document) for more
complete information on selecting a TOPIC.

Your abstract should be a few paragraphs--at least 1/2 page but no
more than one page of single-spaced, 12 point type.

Your abstract provides a quick but complete summary of your paper.
It informs the reader of the general topic, the scope of the
presentation, and one or two key findings to date.  Most importantly,
an abstract explains WHY the topic is important, and WHY the reader
should read your paper.

You should end your abstract with a brief biography.  Who are you?
What is your experience, if any, with your chosen project/process?
What are your qualifications? Why should the reader believe your
findings?

Remember to send me your completed abstract for review and approval!
Also remember to place it in your research paper outline.  You'll
probably want to keep your abstract updated as you conduct your
research and refine your topic and outline.  Remember that your final
abstract should be included in your research paper.

p.s. NO, you don't HAVE to send me updates to your abstract after
approval.  But you will need to place your abstract after the title
page in your Research Paper-- including any updates.

You may want to check out the following site for more information
about how to write an abstract for a professional paper:
http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/essays/abstract.html

Dr. Elliot Axelband
axelband@rand.org
axelband@usc.edu

Ken Cureton (TA)
cureton@usc.edu