Dissertation Abstract - Steps, Outline, Sample, & Tips

What is a Dissertation Abstract?

A dissertation or thesis abstract is a well-structured and short summary of the research findings. It should outline key takeaways from your study in one paragraph or about 300-500 words long (about 1 page). 

The dissertation abstract length varies depending on which university you attend. However, this can vary as much between schools with similar policies. So it's important to verify ahead of time how many characters will be allowed for each school’s requirements!

Ideally, a dissertation abstract should address the following things;

• The purpose of the study and research.
• The research methods of your dissertation.
• The main results and key findings.
• The implications of the acquired results.

A good abstract in research discusses all these points. It is written in the present simple tense.

What is the Main Purpose of an Abstract?

The main purposes of an abstract are:

• Summary: Provides a concise overview of the main points and findings of the paper.
• Informative: Helps readers quickly understand the scope, methodology, and conclusions of the research.
• Accessibility: Allows readers to decide quickly if the paper is relevant to their interests.
• Indexing: Aids in indexing and categorizing papers in databases and academic search engines.
• Stand-Alone: Functions as a stand-alone piece that can be read independently of the full paper.

How to Write a Good Dissertation Abstract?

The abstract of your dissertation should reflect 5 important aspects: 

1. Research Focus: Briefly state the research topic or question.
2. Methods: Describe the methodology or approach used in the study.
3. Results: Summarize the main findings or outcomes of the research.
4. Implications: Discuss the significance or implications of the findings.
5. Keywords: Include relevant keywords that highlight the main dissertation topic or concept.

Here are the steps to write a good dissertation abstract.

Step 1: Discuss and Explain the Purpose of Your Research

Imagine you're introducing your dissertation to someone who's curious but doesn't know much about it yet. Start by clearly stating what your research is all about and why it's important.

To grab your reader's attention and interest, you must make this section extremely clear. This is where you'll start off with an introduction that will get their motivation to continue reading about the project.

For instance, if you're studying the effectiveness of different sorting algorithms in Python, you'd explain why it matters to understand which algorithm works best for large datasets.

Step 2: Present a Brief Outline of Your Study’s Methodology

Next, give a quick overview of how you conducted your research. Whether you used interviews, experiments, or data analysis techniques, briefly mention your approach without diving into too many technical details.

Step 3: State Your Research’s Main Findings

Summarize the most significant results of your research. What did you discover through your study? Be direct and clear about the outcomes without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.

Step 4: Discuss the Implications of Your Research and Study

Finally, explain what your findings mean for the broader context. How does your research contribute to understanding or solving a problem in your field? Also, suggest areas where future research could build upon your work.

Dissertation Abstract Example

Here is a sample dissertation abstract that follows the typical dissertation abstract structure.

The above abstract contains the purpose of the research, the methodology used for the study, and the findings and implications of the study.

Here are some more examples that you can read to learn about the dissertation abstract better.

Law Dissertation Abstract Example

Here's another sample dissertation abstract:

Tips to Write a Strong Dissertation Abstract

Here are the tips for writing a good and engaging abstract for your dissertation.

• Purpose of the Abstract: Summarize your dissertation briefly to give readers an overview of your research and its importance.
• Write After Completing Dissertation: Write the abstract last, once your dissertation is finished, to accurately summarize all key points and findings.
• Outline Each Chapter: Briefly outline each chapter before writing the abstract to organize your thoughts and cover all main aspects.
• Study Other Abstracts: Review abstracts from similar dissertations to understand effective structures and content.
• Review Sample Abstracts: Look at well-written abstract samples to grasp different styles and approaches for effective structuring.
• Use Clear Language: Communicate clearly without using jargon or complex terms to ensure your research is accessible to all readers.
• Highlight Your Research: Emphasize what makes your research unique and its contribution to your field.
• Keep it Concise: Ensure the abstract is succinct yet comprehensive, conveying your dissertation's essence without overwhelming the reader.
• Avoid Overloading: Resist the urge to include every detail; save in-depth discussions for the main dissertation sections.
• Check Formatting Requirements: Always review specific formatting guidelines for thesis writing, dissertations, or journal abstracts, especially APA research paper guidelines.

What Not To Do in an Abstract?

In an abstract, avoid:

• Including detailed background information.
• Using complex or jargon-heavy language.
• Presenting new information or results not mentioned in the main text.
• Making vague statements without supporting evidence.
• Exceeding the dissertation abstract word count.
• Passive sentences
• long sentences, repetition, and filler words.
• Detailed descriptions

To wrap it up, writing a good dissertation abstract is all about summarizing your research effectively and drawing readers in. Make sure to write it after finishing your dissertation so you can capture all the key points accurately. 

By following these steps, you'll create an abstract that grabs attention and gives readers a clear overview of your dissertation.

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