Applying ergonomics to Applied Ergonomics:: using structured abstracts

Background. Previous research with structured abstracts (i.e. those that contain sub-headings such as this one) has indicated that structured abstracts are of a higher quality, contain more information, and are easier to search than are abstracts produced in the traditional manner. Aim. The aim of this article is to indicate how such structured abstracts might be appropriate for Applied Ergonomics. Method. Three abstracts taken from a recent issue of Applied Ergonomics were re-written in a structured form. This involved re-sequencing the information presented in the originals, and including additional information - particularly that of a quantitative kind - to meet the requirements of the sub-headings. Measures of word length, information content, readability, and reader preferences were then made. Results. The results showed that there were differences between the three pairs of abstracts on these various measures but that, overall, in line with previous research, the structured abstracts were longer, more informative and judged to be clearer by their readers. Comment. The findings support the author's view that structured abstracts are more effective than traditional ones. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.