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Start for freeWriting the abstract for your dissertation marks the final push towards the completion of a monumental academic endeavor. The abstract, a succinct summary of your lengthy work, is not just a formality but a crucial component that encapsulates your research's essence. Jessica from Scribbr is here to steer you through this critical task with practical steps and an illustrative example. Let's dive into the art of crafting an effective dissertation abstract that makes your research stand out.
What is an Abstract?
An abstract is a concise summary of a larger work, like a dissertation or a research paper, typically ranging between 150 to 300 words. It's vital to adhere to the specific requirements set by your university or intended journal regarding the abstract's length. Positioned on a separate page, the abstract precedes the main text in your dissertation, coming right after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents.
Crafting Your Abstract: Essential Components
The Purpose of Your Research
Begin by defining the purpose of your research, addressing the practical or theoretical problem it solves or the question it aims to answer. Providing a brief context of your topic's relevance is crucial, but avoid delving into extensive background information.
Your Research Objectives
State your research objectives clearly, employing verbs like investigate, test, analyze, or evaluate to describe your actions precisely. Remember, this section should be penned in the present or past simple tense, steering clear of future tense since the research is concluded.
Research Methods
Outline the methods you employed succinctly, limiting the description to one or two sentences. This section is typically written in the past simple tense, reflecting on the completed actions.
Key Results or Arguments
Summarize the chief results or arguments of your research, focusing on the findings that underscore your conclusions. Depending on the scope of your research, it might be challenging to include every result; prioritize the most significant ones.
Conclusion
Conclude your abstract by stating your research's main conclusions, clearly articulating your response to the posed problem or question. Conclusions are generally written in the present simple tense.
Limitations and Keywords
Briefly mention any significant limitations of your research to allow readers to accurately gauge its credibility and generalizability. If your paper is to be published, consider including a list of keywords at the abstract's end to facilitate discovery during literature searches. Follow specific formatting guidelines, like those of APA Style, for the keywords.
Final Touches: Proofreading and Revising
After composing your abstract, it's imperative to proofread and revise it to ensure clarity and adherence to guidelines. Utilizing a professional proofreading service can help eliminate language errors, refine your structure, and enhance your academic style.
Crafting an abstract is the last step in the long journey of your dissertation writing. By following this guide, you'll be able to create a compelling and concise abstract that effectively communicates the core of your research. Remember, the abstract is often the first (and sometimes the only) part of your work that readers engage with, making it your chance to make a strong impression.
For further assistance and resources, including how to format an APA style abstract, visit Scribbr's official website. And don't forget to proofread and revise your abstract to perfection before submission. Now, take a deep breath, finalize that abstract, and step forward towards the completion of your academic milestone.
Watch the full video for more details and examples: How to Write a Dissertation Abstract.
