what to write in thesis abstract

• How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis
• Doing a PhD

What is a Thesis or Dissertation Abstract?

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines an abstract in academic writing as being “ a few sentences that give the main ideas in an article or a scientific paper ” and the Collins English Dictionary says “ an abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it ”.

Whether you’re writing up your Master’s dissertation or PhD thesis, the abstract will be a key element of this document that you’ll want to make sure you give proper attention to.

What is the Purpose of an Abstract?

The aim of a thesis abstract is to give the reader a broad overview of what your research project was about and what you found that was novel, before he or she decides to read the entire thesis. The reality here though is that very few people will read the entire thesis, and not because they’re necessarily disinterested but because practically it’s too large a document for most people to have the time to read. The exception to this is your PhD examiner, however know that even they may not read the entire length of the document.

Some people may still skip to and read specific sections throughout your thesis such as the methodology, but the fact is that the abstract will be all that most read and will therefore be the section they base their opinions about your research on. In short, make sure you write a good, well-structured abstract.

How Long Should an Abstract Be?

If you’re a PhD student, having written your 100,000-word thesis, the abstract will be the 300 word summary included at the start of the thesis that succinctly explains the motivation for your study (i.e. why this research was needed), the main work you did (i.e. the focus of each chapter), what you found (the results) and concluding with how your research study contributed to new knowledge within your field.

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States of America, once famously said:

The point here is that it’s easier to talk open-endedly about a subject that you know a lot about than it is to condense the key points into a 10-minute speech; the same applies for an abstract. Three hundred words is not a lot of words which makes it even more difficult to condense three (or more) years of research into a coherent, interesting story.

What Makes a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

Whilst the abstract is one of the first sections in your PhD thesis, practically it’s probably the last aspect that you’ll ending up writing before sending the document to print. The reason being that you can’t write a summary about what you did, what you found and what it means until you’ve done the work.

A good abstract is one that can clearly explain to the reader in 300 words:

• What your research field actually is,
• What the gap in knowledge was in your field,
• The overarching aim and objectives of your PhD in response to these gaps,
• What methods you employed to achieve these,
• You key results and findings,
• How your work has added to further knowledge in your field of study.

Another way to think of this structure is:

• Introduction,
• Aims and objectives,
• Discussion,
• Conclusion.

Following this ‘formulaic’ approach to writing the abstract should hopefully make it a little easier to write but you can already see here that there’s a lot of information to convey in a very limited number of words.

How Do You Write a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

The biggest challenge you’ll have is getting all the 6 points mentioned above across in your abstract within the limit of 300 words . Your particular university may give some leeway in going a few words over this but it’s good practice to keep within this; the art of succinctly getting your information across is an important skill for a researcher to have and one that you’ll be called on to use regularly as you write papers for peer review.

Keep It Concise

Every word in the abstract is important so make sure you focus on only the key elements of your research and the main outcomes and significance of your project that you want the reader to know about. You may have come across incidental findings during your research which could be interesting to discuss but this should not happen in the abstract as you simply don’t have enough words. Furthermore, make sure everything you talk about in your thesis is actually described in the main thesis.

Make a Unique Point Each Sentence

Keep the sentences short and to the point. Each sentence should give the reader new, useful information about your research so there’s no need to write out your project title again. Give yourself one or two sentences to introduce your subject area and set the context for your project. Then another sentence or two to explain the gap in the knowledge; there’s no need or expectation for you to include references in the abstract.

Explain Your Research

Some people prefer to write their overarching aim whilst others set out their research questions as they correspond to the structure of their thesis chapters; the approach you use is up to you, as long as the reader can understand what your dissertation or thesis had set out to achieve. Knowing this will help the reader better understand if your results help to answer the research questions or if further work is needed.

Keep It Factual

Keep the content of the abstract factual; that is to say that you should avoid bringing too much or any opinion into it, which inevitably can make the writing seem vague in the points you’re trying to get across and even lacking in structure.

Write, Edit and Then Rewrite

Spend suitable time editing your text, and if necessary, completely re-writing it. Show the abstract to others and ask them to explain what they understand about your research – are they able to explain back to you each of the 6 structure points, including why your project was needed, the research questions and results, and the impact it had on your research field? It’s important that you’re able to convey what new knowledge you contributed to your field but be mindful when writing your abstract that you don’t inadvertently overstate the conclusions, impact and significance of your work.

Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Examples

Perhaps the best way to understand how to write a thesis abstract is to look at examples of what makes a good and bad abstract.

Example of A Bad Abstract

Let’s start with an example of a bad thesis abstract:

In this project on “The Analysis of the Structural Integrity of 3D Printed Polymers for use in Aircraft”, my research looked at how 3D printing of materials can help the aviation industry in the manufacture of planes. Plane parts can be made at a lower cost using 3D printing and made lighter than traditional components. This project investigated the structural integrity of EBM manufactured components, which could revolutionise the aviation industry.

What Makes This a Bad Abstract

Hopefully you’ll have spotted some of the reasons this would be considered a poor abstract, not least because the author used up valuable words by repeating the lengthy title of the project in the abstract.

Working through our checklist of the 6 key points you want to convey to the reader:

• There has been an attempt to introduce the research area , albeit half-way through the abstract but it’s not clear if this is a materials science project about 3D printing or is it about aircraft design.
• There’s no explanation about where the gap in the knowledge is that this project attempted to address.
• We can see that this project was focussed on the topic of structural integrity of materials in aircraft but the actual research aims or objectives haven’t been defined.
• There’s no mention at all of what the author actually did to investigate structural integrity. For example was this an experimental study involving real aircraft, or something in the lab, computer simulations etc.
• The author also doesn’t tell us a single result of his research, let alone the key findings !
• There’s a bold claim in the last sentence of the abstract that this project could revolutionise the aviation industry, and this may well be the case, but based on the abstract alone there is no evidence to support this as it’s not even clear what the author did .

This is an extreme example but is a good way to illustrate just how unhelpful a poorly written abstract can be. At only 71 words long, it definitely hasn’t maximised the amount of information that could be presented and the what they have presented has lacked clarity and structure.

A final point to note is the use of the EBM acronym, which stands for Electron Beam Melting in the context of 3D printing; this is a niche acronym for the author to assume that the reader would know the meaning of. It’s best to avoid acronyms in your abstract all together even if it’s something that you might expect most people to know about, unless you specifically define the meaning first.

Example of A Good Abstract

Having seen an example of a bad thesis abstract, now lets look at an example of a good PhD thesis abstract written about the same (fictional) project:

Additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys has the potential to enable cheaper and lighter components to be produced with customised designs for use in aircraft engines. Whilst the proof-of-concept of these have been promising, the structural integrity of AM engine parts in response to full thrust and temperature variations is not clear.

The primary aim of this project was to determine the fracture modes and mechanisms of AM components designed for use in Boeing 747 engines. To achieve this an explicit finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate the environment and parameters that the engine is exposed to during flight. The FE model was validated using experimental data replicating the environmental parameters in a laboratory setting using ten AM engine components provided by the industry sponsor. The validated FE model was then used to investigate the extent of crack initiation and propagation as the environment parameters were adjusted.

This project was the first to investigate fracture patterns in AM titanium components used in aircraft engines; the key finding was that the presence of cavities within the structures due to errors in the printing process, significantly increased the risk of fracture. Secondly, the simulations showed that cracks formed within AM parts were more likely to worsen and lead to component failure at subzero temperatures when compared to conventionally manufactured parts. This has demonstrated an important safety concern which needs to be addressed before AM parts can be used in commercial aircraft.

What Makes This a Good Abstract

Having read this ‘good abstract’ you should have a much better understand about what the subject area is about, where the gap in the knowledge was, the aim of the project, the methods that were used, key results and finally the significance of these results. To break these points down further, from this good abstract we now know that:

• The research area is around additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) of materials for use in aircraft.
• The gap in knowledge was how these materials will behave structural when used in aircraft engines.
• The aim was specifically to investigate how the components can fracture.
• The methods used to investigate this were a combination of computational and lab based experimental modelling.
• The key findings were the increased risk of fracture of these components due to the way they are manufactured.
• The significance of these findings were that it showed a potential risk of component failure that could comprise the safety of passengers and crew on the aircraft.

The abstract text has a much clearer flow through these different points in how it’s written and has made much better use of the available word count. Acronyms have even been used twice in this good abstract but they were clearly defined the first time they were introduced in the text so that there was no confusion about their meaning.

The abstract you write for your dissertation or thesis should succinctly explain to the reader why the work of your research was needed, what you did, what you found and what it means. Most people that come across your thesis, including any future employers, are likely to read only your abstract. Even just for this reason alone, it’s so important that you write the best abstract you can; this will not only convey your research effectively but also put you in the best light possible as a researcher.

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Abstract Writing: A Step-by-Step Guide With Tips & Examples

Table of Contents

Introduction

Abstracts of research papers have always played an essential role in describing your research concisely and clearly to researchers and editors of journals, enticing them to continue reading. However, with the widespread availability of scientific databases, the need to write a convincing abstract is more crucial now than during the time of paper-bound manuscripts.

Abstracts serve to "sell" your research and can be compared with your "executive outline" of a resume or, rather, a formal summary of the critical aspects of your work. Also, it can be the "gist" of your study. Since most educational research is done online, it's a sign that you have a shorter time for impressing your readers, and have more competition from other abstracts that are available to be read.

The APCI (Academic Publishing and Conferences International) articulates 12 issues or points considered during the final approval process for conferences & journals and emphasises the importance of writing an abstract that checks all these boxes (12 points). Since it's the only opportunity you have to captivate your readers, you must invest time and effort in creating an abstract that accurately reflects the critical points of your research.

With that in mind, let’s head over to understand and discover the core concept and guidelines to create a substantial abstract. Also, learn how to organise the ideas or plots into an effective abstract that will be awe-inspiring to the readers you want to reach.

What is Abstract? Definition and Overview

The word "Abstract' is derived from Latin abstractus meaning "drawn off." This etymological meaning also applies to art movements as well as music, like abstract expressionism. In this context, it refers to the revealing of the artist's intention.

Based on this, you can determine the meaning of an abstract: A condensed research summary. It must be self-contained and independent of the body of the research. However, it should outline the subject, the strategies used to study the problem, and the methods implemented to attain the outcomes. The specific elements of the study differ based on the area of study; however, together, it must be a succinct summary of the entire research paper.

Abstracts are typically written at the end of the paper, even though it serves as a prologue. In general, the abstract must be in a position to:

• Describe the paper.
• Identify the problem or the issue at hand.
• Explain to the reader the research process, the results you came up with, and what conclusion you've reached using these results.
• Include keywords to guide your strategy and the content.

Furthermore, the abstract you submit should not reflect upon any of  the following elements:

• Examine, analyse or defend the paper or your opinion.
• What you want to study, achieve or discover.
• Be redundant or irrelevant.

After reading an abstract, your audience should understand the reason - what the research was about in the first place, what the study has revealed and how it can be utilised or can be used to benefit others. You can understand the importance of abstract by knowing the fact that the abstract is the most frequently read portion of any research paper. In simpler terms, it should contain all the main points of the research paper.

What is the Purpose of an Abstract?

Abstracts are typically an essential requirement for research papers; however, it's not an obligation to preserve traditional reasons without any purpose. Abstracts allow readers to scan the text to determine whether it is relevant to their research or studies. The abstract allows other researchers to decide if your research paper can provide them with some additional information. A good abstract paves the interest of the audience to pore through your entire paper to find the content or context they're searching for.

Abstract writing is essential for indexing, as well. The Digital Repository of academic papers makes use of abstracts to index the entire content of academic research papers. Like meta descriptions in the regular Google outcomes, abstracts must include keywords that help researchers locate what they seek.

Types of Abstract

Informative and Descriptive are two kinds of abstracts often used in scientific writing.

A descriptive abstract gives readers an outline of the author's main points in their study. The reader can determine if they want to stick to the research work, based on their interest in the topic. An abstract that is descriptive is similar to the contents table of books, however, the format of an abstract depicts complete sentences encapsulated in one paragraph. It is unfortunate that the abstract can't be used as a substitute for reading a piece of writing because it's just an overview, which omits readers from getting an entire view. Also, it cannot be a way to fill in the gaps the reader may have after reading this kind of abstract since it does not contain crucial information needed to evaluate the article.

To conclude, a descriptive abstract is:

• A simple summary of the task, just summarises the work, but some researchers think it is much more of an outline
• Typically, the length is approximately 100 words. It is too short when compared to an informative abstract.
• A brief explanation but doesn't provide the reader with the complete information they need;
• An overview that omits conclusions and results

An informative abstract is a comprehensive outline of the research. There are times when people rely on the abstract as an information source. And the reason is why it is crucial to provide entire data of particular research. A well-written, informative abstract could be a good substitute for the remainder of the paper on its own.

A well-written abstract typically follows a particular style. The author begins by providing the identifying information, backed by citations and other identifiers of the papers. Then, the major elements are summarised to make the reader aware of the study. It is followed by the methodology and all-important findings from the study. The conclusion then presents study results and ends the abstract with a comprehensive summary.

In a nutshell, an informative abstract:

• Has a length that can vary, based on the subject, but is not longer than 300 words.
• Contains all the content-like methods and intentions
• Offers evidence and possible recommendations.

Informative Abstracts are more frequent than descriptive abstracts because of their extensive content and linkage to the topic specifically. You should select different types of abstracts to papers based on their length: informative abstracts for extended and more complex abstracts and descriptive ones for simpler and shorter research papers.

What are the Characteristics of a Good Abstract?

• A good abstract clearly defines the goals and purposes of the study.
• It should clearly describe the research methodology with a primary focus on data gathering, processing, and subsequent analysis.
• A good abstract should provide specific research findings.
• It presents the principal conclusions of the systematic study.
• It should be concise, clear, and relevant to the field of study.
• A well-designed abstract should be unifying and coherent.
• It is easy to grasp and free of technical jargon.
• It is written impartially and objectively.

What are the various sections of an ideal Abstract?

By now, you must have gained some concrete idea of the essential elements that your abstract needs to convey . Accordingly, the information is broken down into six key sections of the abstract, which include:

An Introduction or Background

Research methodology, objectives and goals, limitations.

Let's go over them in detail.

The introduction, also known as background, is the most concise part of your abstract. Ideally, it comprises a couple of sentences. Some researchers only write one sentence to introduce their abstract. The idea behind this is to guide readers through the key factors that led to your study.

It's understandable that this information might seem difficult to explain in a couple of sentences. For example, think about the following two questions like the background of your study:

• What is currently available about the subject with respect to the paper being discussed?
• What isn't understood about this issue? (This is the subject of your research)

While writing the abstract’s introduction, make sure that it is not lengthy. Because if it crosses the word limit, it may eat up the words meant to be used for providing other key information.

Research methodology is where you describe the theories and techniques you used in your research. It is recommended that you describe what you have done and the method you used to get your thorough investigation results. Certainly, it is the second-longest paragraph in the abstract.

In the research methodology section, it is essential to mention the kind of research you conducted; for instance, qualitative research or quantitative research (this will guide your research methodology too) . If you've conducted quantitative research, your abstract should contain information like the sample size, data collection method, sampling techniques, and duration of the study. Likewise, your abstract should reflect observational data, opinions, questionnaires (especially the non-numerical data) if you work on qualitative research.

The research objectives and goals speak about what you intend to accomplish with your research. The majority of research projects focus on the long-term effects of a project, and the goals focus on the immediate, short-term outcomes of the research. It is possible to summarise both in just multiple sentences.

In stating your objectives and goals, you give readers a picture of the scope of the study, its depth and the direction your research ultimately follows. Your readers can evaluate the results of your research against the goals and stated objectives to determine if you have achieved the goal of your research.

In the end, your readers are more attracted by the results you've obtained through your study. Therefore, you must take the time to explain each relevant result and explain how they impact your research. The results section exists as the longest in your abstract, and nothing should diminish its reach or quality.

One of the most important things you should adhere to is to spell out details and figures on the results of your research.

Instead of making a vague assertion such as, "We noticed that response rates varied greatly between respondents with high incomes and those with low incomes", Try these: "The response rate was higher for high-income respondents than those with lower incomes (59 30 percent vs. 30 percent in both cases; P<0.01)."

You're likely to encounter certain obstacles during your research. It could have been during data collection or even during conducting the sample . Whatever the issue, it's essential to inform your readers about them and their effects on the research.

Research limitations offer an opportunity to suggest further and deep research. If, for instance, you were forced to change for convenient sampling and snowball samples because of difficulties in reaching well-suited research participants, then you should mention this reason when you write your research abstract. In addition, a lack of prior studies on the subject could hinder your research.

Your conclusion should include the same number of sentences to wrap the abstract as the introduction. The majority of researchers offer an idea of the consequences of their research in this case.

Your conclusion should include three essential components:

• A significant take-home message.
• Corresponding important findings.
• The Interpretation.

Even though the conclusion of your abstract needs to be brief, it can have an enormous influence on the way that readers view your research. Therefore, make use of this section to reinforce the central message from your research. Be sure that your statements reflect the actual results and the methods you used to conduct your research.

Good Abstract Examples

Abstract example #1.

Children’s consumption behavior in response to food product placements in movies.

The abstract:

"Almost all research into the effects of brand placements on children has focused on the brand's attitudes or behavior intentions. Based on the significant differences between attitudes and behavioral intentions on one hand and actual behavior on the other hand, this study examines the impact of placements by brands on children's eating habits. Children aged 6-14 years old were shown an excerpt from the popular film Alvin and the Chipmunks and were shown places for the item Cheese Balls. Three different versions were developed with no placements, one with moderately frequent placements and the third with the highest frequency of placement. The results revealed that exposure to high-frequency places had a profound effect on snack consumption, however, there was no impact on consumer attitudes towards brands or products. The effects were not dependent on the age of the children. These findings are of major importance to researchers studying consumer behavior as well as nutrition experts as well as policy regulators."

Abstract Example #2

Social comparisons on social media: The impact of Facebook on young women’s body image concerns and mood. The abstract:

"The research conducted in this study investigated the effects of Facebook use on women's moods and body image if the effects are different from an internet-based fashion journal and if the appearance comparison tendencies moderate one or more of these effects. Participants who were female ( N = 112) were randomly allocated to spend 10 minutes exploring their Facebook account or a magazine's website or an appearance neutral control website prior to completing state assessments of body dissatisfaction, mood, and differences in appearance (weight-related and facial hair, face, and skin). Participants also completed a test of the tendency to compare appearances. The participants who used Facebook were reported to be more depressed than those who stayed on the control site. In addition, women who have the tendency to compare appearances reported more facial, hair and skin-related issues following Facebook exposure than when they were exposed to the control site. Due to its popularity it is imperative to conduct more research to understand the effect that Facebook affects the way people view themselves."

Abstract Example #3

The Relationship Between Cell Phone Use and Academic Performance in a Sample of U.S. College Students

"The cellphone is always present on campuses of colleges and is often utilised in situations in which learning takes place. The study examined the connection between the use of cell phones and the actual grades point average (GPA) after adjusting for predictors that are known to be a factor. In the end 536 students in the undergraduate program from 82 self-reported majors of an enormous, public institution were studied. Hierarchical analysis ( R 2 = .449) showed that use of mobile phones is significantly ( p < .001) and negative (b equal to -.164) connected to the actual college GPA, after taking into account factors such as demographics, self-efficacy in self-regulated learning, self-efficacy to improve academic performance, and the actual high school GPA that were all important predictors ( p < .05). Therefore, after adjusting for other known predictors increasing cell phone usage was associated with lower academic performance. While more research is required to determine the mechanisms behind these results, they suggest the need to educate teachers and students to the possible academic risks that are associated with high-frequency mobile phone usage."

Quick tips on writing a good abstract

There exists a common dilemma among early age researchers whether to write the abstract at first or last? However, it's recommended to compose your abstract when you've completed the research since you'll have all the information to give to your readers. You can, however, write a draft at the beginning of your research and add in any gaps later.

If you find abstract writing a herculean task, here are the few tips to help you with it:

1. Always develop a framework to support your abstract

Before writing, ensure you create a clear outline for your abstract. Divide it into sections and draw the primary and supporting elements in each one. You can include keywords and a few sentences that convey the essence of your message.

2. Review Other Abstracts

Abstracts are among the most frequently used research documents, and thousands of them were written in the past. Therefore, prior to writing yours, take a look at some examples from other abstracts. There are plenty of examples of abstracts for dissertations in the dissertation and thesis databases.

3. Avoid Jargon To the Maximum

When you write your abstract, focus on simplicity over formality. You should  write in simple language, and avoid excessive filler words or ambiguous sentences. Keep in mind that your abstract must be readable to those who aren't acquainted with your subject.

4. Focus on Your Research

It's a given fact that the abstract you write should be about your research and the findings you've made. It is not the right time to mention secondary and primary data sources unless it's absolutely required.

Conclusion: How to Structure an Interesting Abstract?

Abstracts are a short outline of your essay. However, it's among the most important, if not the most important. The process of writing an abstract is not straightforward. A few early-age researchers tend to begin by writing it, thinking they are doing it to "tease" the next step (the document itself). However, it is better to treat it as a spoiler.

The simple, concise style of the abstract lends itself to a well-written and well-investigated study. If your research paper doesn't provide definitive results, or the goal of your research is questioned, so will the abstract. Thus, only write your abstract after witnessing your findings and put your findings in the context of a larger scenario.

The process of writing an abstract can be daunting, but with these guidelines, you will succeed. The most efficient method of writing an excellent abstract is to centre the primary points of your abstract, including the research question and goals methods, as well as key results.

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Writing an abstract - a six point checklist (with samples)

Posted in: abstract , dissertations

The abstract is a vital part of any research paper. It is the shop front for your work, and the first stop for your reader. It should provide a clear and succinct summary of your study, and encourage your readers to read more. An effective abstract, therefore should answer the following questions:

• Why did you do this study or project?
• What did you do and how?
• What did you find?
• What do your findings mean?

So here's our run down of the key elements of a well-written abstract.

• Size - A succinct and well written abstract should be between approximately 100- 250 words.
• Background - An effective abstract usually includes some scene-setting information which might include what is already known about the subject, related to the paper in question (a few short sentences).
• Purpose  - The abstract should also set out the purpose of your research, in other words, what is not known about the subject and hence what the study intended to examine (or what the paper seeks to present).
• Methods - The methods section should contain enough information to enable the reader to understand what was done, and how. It should include brief details of the research design, sample size, duration of study, and so on.
• Results - The results section is the most important part of the abstract. This is because readers who skim an abstract do so to learn about the findings of the study. The results section should therefore contain as much detail about the findings as the journal word count permits.
• Conclusion - This section should contain the most important take-home message of the study, expressed in a few precisely worded sentences. Usually, the finding highlighted here relates to the primary outcomes of the study. However, other important or unexpected findings should also be mentioned. It is also customary, but not essential, to express an opinion about the theoretical or practical implications of the findings, or the importance of their findings for the field. Thus, the conclusions may contain three elements:
• The primary take-home message.
• Any additional findings of importance.
• Implications for future studies.

Example Abstract 2: Engineering Development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvic bone.

Abstract from: Dalstra, M., Huiskes, R. and Van Erning, L., 1995. Development and validation of a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvic bone. Journal of biomechanical engineering, 117(3), pp.272-278.

And finally...  A word on abstract types and styles

Abstract types can differ according to subject discipline. You need to determine therefore which type of abstract you should include with your paper. Here are two of the most common types with examples.

Informative Abstract

The majority of abstracts are informative. While they still do not critique or evaluate a work, they do more than describe it. A good informative abstract acts as a surrogate for the work itself. That is, the researcher presents and explains all the main arguments and the important results and evidence in the paper. An informative abstract includes the information that can be found in a descriptive abstract [purpose, methods, scope] but it also includes the results and conclusions of the research and the recommendations of the author. The length varies according to discipline, but an informative abstract is usually no more than 300 words in length.

Descriptive Abstract A descriptive abstract indicates the type of information found in the work. It makes no judgements about the work, nor does it provide results or conclusions of the research. It does incorporate key words found in the text and may include the purpose, methods, and scope of the research. Essentially, the descriptive abstract only describes the work being summarised. Some researchers consider it an outline of the work, rather than a summary. Descriptive abstracts are usually very short, 100 words or less.

Adapted from Andrade C. How to write a good abstract for a scientific paper or conference presentation. Indian J Psychiatry. 2011 Apr;53(2):172-5. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.82558. PMID: 21772657; PMCID: PMC3136027 .

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How to Write a Dissertation Abstract | 12 Great Abstract Examples

Writing a dissertation is a monumental task that require dedication, perseverance, and meticulous attention to detail. As you navigate the world of academic research, one of the most crucial aspects of your dissertation will be learning how to write an abstract that quickly and easily communicates the essence of your study to readers.

In this article, we will explore the art of writing a dissertation abstract, a concise summary that encapsulates the essence and significance of your research.

What is an Abstract?

An abstract is a concise summary of a larger academic work, typically a research paper, thesis, or dissertation. It serves as a standalone representation of the main objectives, methods, results, and conclusions of the study, allowing readers to quickly understand what your dissertation is about without having to read the entire document.

Think of the abstract as a condensed version of your entire dissertation, distilled into a few paragraphs. It provides a snapshot of your research, highlighting the key points and findings in a clear way. While the abstract is usually located at the beginning of the document, it is often one of the last sections to be written, as it requires a thorough understanding of the entire study.

The primary purpose of an abstract is to inform and attract readers, providing them with enough information to determine whether the research is relevant to their interests and needs. In addition to summarizing the content of the research, the abstract also conveys the significance and potential impact of the study within its respective field or discipline. It should highlight the originality, relevance, and contribution of the research to existing knowledge, as well as its implications for future research, practice, or policy.

Overall, an abstract plays a crucial role in communicating the essence of your research to a wider audience. By writing a clear, concise, and compelling abstract, you can effectively engage readers, showcase the importance of your research, and increase the visibility and impact of your work within the academic community.

Read next: The Best Dissertation Proofreading Services

What Should a Dissertation Abstract Include?

You should ensure that your dissertation abstract contains the following sections:

• Title: The title of your dissertation should be prominently displayed at the beginning of the abstract. The title should accurately reflect the focus and scope of your research, providing readers with a clear understanding of the topic you have investigated.
• Objective: In this section, clearly state the main objective or research question addressed in your dissertation. This helps readers understand the specific purpose of your study and what you aimed to achieve through your research. Be concise yet informative in articulating the primary goal or purpose of your investigation.
• Methodology: Briefly describe the research methods and approach used to investigate the research question. Provide an overview of the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and any other relevant procedures employed in your study. The methodology section should give readers insight into the empirical or theoretical framework guiding your research.
• Results: Summarize the key findings or outcomes of your study. Highlight the most significant results, trends, patterns, or conclusions that emerged from your analysis. Provide enough detail to convey the main findings of your research while remaining concise and focused. Avoid including extraneous details or raw data that are better suited for the main body of the dissertation.
• Conclusion: Provide a brief conclusion that synthesizes the significance of your research and its implications for the field. Reflect on how your findings contribute to existing knowledge, address gaps in the literature, or advance theoretical understanding within your discipline. Discuss the broader implications of your research and potential avenues for future research or application. End with a strong closing statement that emphasizes the importance of your work and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

If you have invested enough legwork in choosing a good dissertation topic , justifying your research in this way should be relatively straightforward.

Why is The Abstract Section so Important?

Essentially, when people read your abstract, they will be asking themselves: Is this something I want to read? As such, the abstract serves the following important purposes:

• First Impression: The abstract serves as the initial point of contact between the reader and your dissertation. It is the first thing readers encounter when accessing your work, whether through academic databases, search engines, or publication indexes. As such, the abstract plays a crucial role in shaping readers’ perceptions of your research and influencing their decision to engage further with the full text.
• Accessibility and Discoverability: In today’s information-rich environment, researchers often rely on abstracts to quickly identify relevant literature and determine its suitability for their needs. By providing a concise summary of your research, the abstract enhances the accessibility and discoverability of your work, making it easier for scholars, practitioners, and other stakeholders to locate and access your dissertation amidst the vast sea of academic literature.
• Time-Efficient Communication: The abstract offers a time-efficient means of communication, allowing readers to glean essential insights from your research in a matter of minutes. In an era where time is a precious commodity, busy scholars and professionals often rely on abstracts to efficiently survey the landscape of research and identify studies of interest without having to invest extensive time and effort in reading the full text.
• Decision-Making Tool: For many readers, particularly journal editors, peer reviewers, and conference organizers, the abstract serves as a decision-making tool for evaluating the relevance, quality, and significance of your research. A well-crafted abstract can pique readers’ interest, demonstrate the novelty and importance of your findings, and persuade them to explore your dissertation further or consider it for publication or presentation.
• Representation of Your Work: The abstract serves as a condensed representation of your entire dissertation, encapsulating its core objectives, methods, results, and conclusions in a concise and coherent manner. As such, it plays a crucial role in shaping the overall narrative of your research and conveying its essence to a wider audience, including those who may not have the time or inclination to read the full text.
• Professional Recognition and Impact: A well-written abstract can enhance the visibility, impact, and recognition of your research within the academic community. It serves as a showcase of your scholarly abilities, showcasing your ability to articulate complex ideas, communicate effectively, and make a meaningful contribution to your field. A compelling abstract can attract attention, generate citations, and ultimately contribute to the dissemination and advancement of knowledge within your discipline.

When you have written your abstract, don’t forget to get is checked by a professional dissertation proofreader .

12 Examples of Dissertation Abstracts for a Range of Subjects

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Steps Guide to Create Dissertation Abstract With Examples

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An abstract summarizes your entire dissertation, typically ranging from 200-350 words. It should provide a clear overview of your project and highlight the main points of your argument. To write an effective abstract, you'll need to be concise and organized while still presenting your ideas clearly and coherently.

If you're a student working on a dissertation, you know that writing the abstract can be one of the most challenging parts. But don't worry, we're here to help!

In this blog post, we'll give you a step-by-step guide to creating your dissertation abstract and some examples to help you get started. So read on and start writing an abstract that will make your professors proud!

What is a Dissertation Abstract?

How to write a good dissertation abstract, dissertation abstract example, tips to write a strong dissertation abstract.

‘What is abstract in dissertation writing?’

The abstract is designed to quickly summarize your dissertation in an engaging way. It aims to show readers what they can expect from reading it more thoroughly later on. It is an important part of dissertation writing and must be written carefully.

The abstract is a short and concise way of getting your research paper's message across. It should summarize the entire work in one paragraph, so it can be easily understood by readers who are not familiar with what it is about!

It should be included before the table of contents and after the title page and acknowledgments.

‘What should dissertation abstract include?’

Ideally, a dissertation or thesis abstract should include the following things;

• The study's and research's goal.
• Your dissertation's research methods.
• The key findings and results.
• The implications of the obtained results.

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

What is the Main Purpose of an Abstract?

The first purpose of an abstract is to capture the attention of potential readers before they read the rest of your work. It should specifically communicate what you were attempting to discover and how this research was conducted so that anyone interested can decide whether or not they want more information on that topic.

The abstract provides brief background information and introduces your work to the readers. It helps readers in deciding whether or not to continue reading your work. It should be included in all research projects and case studies, just like a literature review.

Dissertation Abstract Structure

Here are the sections that must be included in a dissertation abstract format.

• Introduction
• Aims and objectives
• Results and discussion

Dissertation Abstract Length

It varies depending on which college/university you attend. Some universities require that you summarize your study in one paragraph, while others ask for about 300-500 words.

Dissertation abstract word count varies based on different colleges’ policies, so be sure to check yours before writing it.

(back to top)

Here are the easy steps to write a good dissertation abstract.

• 1. Explain the Research Purpose

Explain everything briefly and describe the significance of your research work. State the purpose and significance of your research and what the reader can learn from reading your paper.

The following are the components of an abstract:

• Your research objectives and questions.
• The significance of these research questions.

You must make this section extremely clear to capture your reader's attention and interest. This is where you'll "hook" them with a compelling introduction that will capture their attention in reading more about the project.

They might lose patience if we don't put in the effort from start to finish.

• 2. Describe Research Methodology

Describe how you responded to the research questions. This means that you will present the methodology and design of your research in this paragraph. It could be qualitative or quantitative in nature. Mention it whatever it is for your reader.

However, keep it brief and avoid providing all of the details here.

• 3. State Research’s Main Findings

This section contains the most important findings from your research. It should be concise and clear to readers about what you discovered, without padding it with unnecessary information or repeating things that have already been covered.

Remember to be concise and clear when summarizing the most important aspects of your study, namely answers to its original questions.

• 4. Discuss the Research Implications

Have you ever found yourself struggling to grasp the big picture while reading a lengthy paper? That is why we have implications. It explains what those numbers and findings mean in our daily lives as citizens and readers.

The following are the topics that should be discussed here.

• The significance of your research.
• The significance and impact of your research findings.
• Future research possibilities

Ensure that these elements are included in your abstract.

Here is a dissertation abstract sample PDF for your better understanding.

Thesis Introduction Chapter Sample

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

• Recognize the purpose of writing an abstract.
• Create an abstract after writing the entire dissertation.
• Explain each chapter in one to two lines before writing the abstract.
• Examine some abstract examples to gain a better understanding of them.
• Write clearly and avoid using overly complicated language.
• Concentrate on your personal research.
• Make an effort to keep everything concise and to the point.
• Keep the details for the main sections and don't include everything here.
• When you have finished writing your thesis abstract, it is time to read it and remove any errors thoroughly.

You can save time and effort by using these simple tips to write your dissertation abstract correctly. If you still require assistance, contact us at GradSchoolGenius for help! We are professionals who want nothing more than the best possible outcomes for students; they’ll be happy to assist with anything to get you a perfect paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an abstract and an introduction.

An abstract is less than a page long, whereas an introduction is much longer. The introduction chapter is quite detailed, as it introduces the readers to each important and interesting detail. An abstract is unique in that it is used to capture the reader's interest.

How long should an abstract be for a 10000 word dissertation?

If you are writing a 10000-word dissertation, abstracts are typically about 300-350 words long. This is because it contains all the information necessary to understand what your paper is about.

What are the 5 parts of an abstract?

Here are 5 parts of an abstract:

• Research significance
• Methodology

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Study Skills

Writing an abstract

An abstract is a condensed version of your article; a distillation of the most important information (Belcher, 2019, p. 93).  

This page will help you to: 

understand the purpose and importance of an abstract 

plan an abstract 

structure and write different types of abstracts for your thesis and publication. 

Introduction to abstracts

This section will introduce the abstract and outline their purpose and importance. 

Before you continue, reflect on your previous writing experiences and the feedback you have received. How would you rate your ability in the following skills? Rate your ability from ‘good’ to ‘needs development’. 

Reflect on your answers. Congratulations if you feel confident about your skills. You may find it helpful to review the materials on this page to confirm your knowledge and possibly learn more. Don't worry if you don't feel confident. Work through these materials to build your skills.   

An abstract gives an overview of your entire project and usually answers these questions: 

What is your research about? 

Why is it important? 

How did you do it? 

What did you find? 

Why are your findings important? 

An abstract is generally brief: about 150-300 words for a journal article and about 500 words for a thesis. Requirements will vary depending on the type of abstract, the journal, the institution or the discipline.  

In some disciplines, an abstract is divided into several short sections such as Background; Methodology; Findings; Implications. 

The abstract aims to: 

give readers a summary of a research study 

help readers decide whether the research is relevant before they read the full paper 

provide a roadmap for readers who wish to read the whole article or thesis.  

It therefore functions as a stand-alone mini text, a screening device and a preview (Huckin, 2001). 

The abstract is generally the first thing a reader will look at although the abstract is the last part of a dissertation to be written (Cooley & Lewkowicz, 2003, p. 112). 

Explore the interactive image below to understand the many reasons why writing a good abstract is important. Click the (+) in the image for more information about each point. 

Planning an abstract

This section outlines the process of planning an abstract. This includes understanding different types of abstract, knowing when to start writing and a step-by-step process for writing an abstract. 

The type or style of an abstract depends on several considerations. For example,  they may be structured or unstructured depending on the discipline. More information can be found in Structuring an abstract.

Different types of abstracts are required depending on where you want to publish. These include thesis abstracts, research article abstracts, conference abstracts and so on. More information can be found in Different types of abstracts.   

To know when to write an abstract, it is necessary to understand the process of building an article. 

The sequence for writing an article is different to the sequence for reading it. When writing, you may:

• produce your tables and figures which convey the results of your research and help you form an argument.
• describe your methods and results and then discuss the results
• write the conclusion and introduction and ensure they are consistent with each other
• produce the abstract once the study is complete. 

A complete abstract that summarises the article, tells a coherent story, states the argument and reveals the most significant findings can only be written after all the steps in the writing process are complete. 

However, you should START drafting an abstract EARLY as the task is "the anchor and catalyst for the framing and reframing of writing goals (Liner et al, 2014, p. 223). You can draft a preliminary abstract of a paper as a way of beginning to think about the topic and as a device for organising your ideas. Throughout your research project, you are likely to modify the abstract because the abstract also serves as a diagnostic tool (Belcher, 2019). If you can't write some parts in your abstract, it may mean your research does not yet have a clear focus.  

This section introduces you to the structure of an abstract in a thesis and a journal article. It also provides you with different ways to organise the abstract.  In writing an abstract, it is important to be clear about these following points: 

• Is it a conference abstract, a thesis abstract or a research article abstract?  

What is the word limit? 

• Is it a structured or an unstructured abstract? 

A  good abstract should:  

summarise the article or thesis 

tell a story 

state the argument and a claim for the significance of that argument 

reveal the most valuable findings 

state the methods briefly 

use strong verbs, not vague ones 

include all the most relevant keywords.  

(Belcher, 2019, p. 83) 

To ensure your abstract includes the key components listed above, it is recommended that you follow these fives moves in this typical order:

Let's look at two examples 

Example 1:  

The structure of an abstract varies. For example, not all abstracts include five moves and writing styles vary across disciplines. Of the moves, moves 2, 3 and 4 are usually considered essential.  

You should  analyse examples in your discipline and read the instructions for authors from your target journal carefully.  

Being concise

The most important language feature of abstracts is that they are concise. Every word in the abstract has been chosen because it is necessary and performs a function.  To learn more, visit the Academic Style in Writing page and do the practice tasks in Being concise.

Present and past tenses are mainly used in abstracts, as illustrated below. 

Look at this example:

Read this abstract and click on the correct verb choices.

Word choice:

Your abstract needs to be concise so choice of words is important. A good abstract needs to include key words and strong verbs. 

Opening sentences to engage readers:

Writing the first sentence in an abstract can be challenging. Here are four basic types of opening sentences based on Swales and Feak (2009) that may help you.  

Being a text detective

To ensure you make appropriate language choices in your abstracts, pay close attention to the language used in published abstracts in your discipline. Think of yourself as a text detective. 

Learn more about this by visiting Academic Style in Writing and exploring the abstracts in Being a text detective .

Different types of abstracts

This section introduces you to the different types of abstract you may need to write.

The table below compares a thesis abstract and a research article abstract .

A conference abstract is normally a standalone abstract ranging from 100 to 500 words, depending on the conference. It is designed to help conference organisers decide whether they would like your paper to be presented at the conference and attendees decide whether they would like to attend your presentation. 

A conference abstract describes the topic you would like to present at the conference. It can report a complete study, a part of your study or a study that is in progress (a promissory abstract). 

Let's look at the examples below:

It is very important that you read the conference instructions carefully. Here are points to consider when preparing to write a conference abstract. 

When is the submission date? How much time do you have to write the abstract?  

What is the acceptance rate of the conference? 

Is this a promissory abstract? ( a study in progress) 

What is the conference theme and sub-themes? 

A graphical abstract is a single, visual summary of the main findings of an article, allowing readers to easily identify the article's main message. It does not take the place of a written abstract but complements your written abstract.   

You can communicate your research in different ways through graphical abstracts:  

Flow diagrams use simple shapes such as shapes, arrows and crosses to describe the process.

Visual representations use models to bring a particular study into the context.

Graphs, charts and images can capture the main research findings. 

Let's look at some examples of graphical abstracts:

A video abstract introduces readers to your article and emphasises why they should read your work. The video focuses on  

• What question(s) did you want to answer with your research?  
• How did you go about it?  
• What conclusions did you come to?  

Your video should make people want to know more.  Here are the top tips for making your video abstract engaging: 

You can find examples of video abstracts on theTaylor and Francis academic publisher site  here .  

Highlights are the ‘elevator pitch’ of your article. They are the three to five bullet points that will help increase the discoverability of your article via search engines.  

They capture the novel results of your research as well as new methods that were used during the study (Elsevier, 2023). In other words, they communicate the core findings, convey the essence, and demonstrate the distinctiveness of your research. 

Each highlight usually does not exceed 85 characters, including spaces, so it should be very concise.  

When you know which journal you want to publish in, read articles from the journal as well as the instructions for authors to gain an understanding of whether highlights are required and how they are written.  

Below is an example of highlights. 

More information on highlights can be found on the Elsevier academic publishing page  here .  

Over to you: draft your abstract

Apply what you have learned to your own abstracts.

Use this template to plan and draft your abstract.  

The template will help you gain an overview of the five moves including the background, aim of your research, research method, main findings, discussion and conclusion. You can download it and save it as a Word document once you have finished. 

Use these three tips to improve your draft.

Read these comments made by abstract reviewers. Have you avoided these pitfalls in your own abstract?

Reflect on your learning 

If you would like more support, visit the Language and Learning Advisors page. 

References  

Belcher, W. L. (2019). Writing your journal article in twelve weeks: A guide to Academic Publishing Success.   The University of Chicago Press  

Blaxter, L., Hughes, C. & Tight, M. (2006). How to research. Open University Press 

Chang, HW., Kanegasaki., S, Jin, F., Deng, Y., You, Z., Chang, J., Kim, D. Y., Timilshina, M., Kim, J., Lee, Y. L., Toyama-Sorimachi, N., & Tsuchiya, T. (2020). A common signaling pathway leading to degranulation in mast cells and its regulation by CCR1-ligand. Allergy, 75, 1371– 1381. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14186  

Chiricozzi, A., Talamonti, M., De Simone, C., Galluzzo, M., Gori, N., Fabbrocini, G., Marzano, A.V., Girolomoni, G., Offidani, A., Rossi, M.T., Bianchi, L., Cristaudo, A., Fierro, M.T., Stingeni, L., Pellacani, G., Argenziano, G., Patrizi, A., Pigatto, P., Romanelli, M., Savoia, P., Rubegni, P., Foti, C., Milanesi, N., Belloni Fortina, A., Bongiorno, M.R., Grieco, T., Di Nuzzo, S., Fargnoli, M.C., Carugno, A., Motolese, A., Rongioletti, F., Amerio, P., Balestri, R., Potenza, C., Micali, G., Patruno, C., Zalaudek, I., Lombardo, M., Feliciani, C., Di Nardo, L., Guarneri, F., Peris, K. (2021). Management of patients with atopic dermatitis undergoing systemic therapy during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy: Data from the DA-COVID-19 registry. Allergy, 76, 1813-1824. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14767  

Friedman, J. Z., & Worden, E, A. (2016). Creating interdisciplinary space on campus: lessons from US area studies centers. HERDSA , 35(1), 129-141. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2015.1128886&nbsp ;

Huckin, T. N. (2001). Abstracting from abstracts. In M. Hewings (Ed.), Academic writing in context, Birmingham, UK; University of Birmingham Press.  

Humphrey, P. (2015). English language proficiency in higher education: student conceptualisations and outcomes. [Doctoral dissertation, Griffith University] 

Machi, L. A & McEvoy, B. T. (2012). The literature review: six steps to success . Corwin 

Niessen, N.M., Gibson, P.G., Baines, K.J., Barker, D., Yang, I.A., Upham, J.W., Reynolds, P.N., Hodge, S., James, A.L., Jenkins, C., Peters, M.J., Marks, G.B., Baraket, M., Simpson, J.L. and Fricker, M. (2021). Sputum TNF markers are increased in neutrophilic and severe asthma and are reduced by azithromycin treatment. Allergy, 76, 2090-2101. https://doi.org/10.1111/all.14768  

Phukon, J., Borah, A. J., & Gogoi, S. (2022). Transition-metal-catalyzed synthesis of spiro compounds through activation and cleavage of C-H bonds. Asian Journal of Organic Chemistry Review, 11, 1-35. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajoc.202200581  

Ridley, D. (2008). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students. SAGE Publications. 

Zhao, F., Zhao, L., Wang, L., & Song, H. (2020). An ensemble discreet differential evolution for the distributed blocking flowshop scheduling with minimising makespan criterion. Expert Systems with Applications , 160, 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eswa.2020.113678  

Woods, M. G. (2021). Culture Counts: A choice modelling approach to quantifying cultural values for First Nations people [Doctoral dissertation, Charles Darwin University]. https://researchers.cdu.edu.au/en/studentTheses/culture-counts-a-choice-modelling-approach-to-quantifying-cultura  

Did you know CDU Language and Learning Advisors offer a range of study support options?

https://www.cdu.edu.au/library/language-and-learning-support

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How to Write a Thesis Abstract

Just when you thought you’d almost finished your thesis, there’s yet another hurdle: the abstract. Although it’s only around 300 words, this chunk of text can be surprisingly challenging. And you don’t want any more challenges at this stage. In this post, I’ll explain the purpose of the thesis abstract and also provide a step-by-step guide on how to distil that monster thesis into a perfect summary.

What’s the purpose of the thesis abstract?

Other than giving you an unwelcome task on your todo list, the thesis abstract serves two main purposes:

• To entice prospective PhD examiners – when your university is recruiting academics to examine your thesis, they’ll receive a copy of your abstract. This is why you’re required to provide an abstract when you signal your intention to submit. A potential examiner can then decide whether your topic is relevant and of interest. Examiners aren’t in it for the money – they often agree to examine a thesis because they want to find out about new research in their field. You need to pique their curiosity! That doesn’t mean teasing them with juicy clues about what they might discover, but clearly stating what your research is about and why it’s important.
• To entice readers – once your thesis is sitting proudly in your university’s online repository, you want people to read and cite it. After all, you’ve worked very hard on making your contribution to knowledge. Your readers’ initial encounter will be the abstract. They’ll be skimming this briefly to see whether your ~80,000 words are worth the investment of their time. You have just 300 words to convince them. And these people could be important. Perhaps they’re future employers, publishers, collaborators, or funders.

There’s a good chance your abstract might shift slightly in response to your viva and any subsequent questions. In which case, you can update the abstract that’s included with the final version of your thesis.

How do you structure a thesis abstract?

Well, it depends partly on your discipline and topic. Broadly, though, this is how it might break down:

• This is the problem / limitation / gap – the originality of your project (1-2 sentences)
• This is why it’s important – the significance of your contribution to the field (2-3 sentences)
• This is how I did it – explaining your methodology (1 sentence)
• This is what I found – summarise your chapters, but don’t refer to them by number (1 sentence for each)
• This is what it means – describe the impact of your findings (2 sentences)
• These are the implications – and how it will change your field (1 sentence)

It’s following the pattern of why , what , how , and then why again

The why question is absolutely pivotal to your thesis.

Unlike the blurb on a novel, you do want to give away the plot. Your examiners and readers aren’t looking for surprises – they want to find out the ending in advance and then follow your path towards it.

And don’t cheat by stuffing your abstract with quotes from other authors – they should live in your literature review. The abstract is all about your research.

• Check the regulations at your university – what’s the required word count and format? Is there any particular style you’re expected to follow?
• Take a look at some recent abstracts in your field. They should be easily accessible through your university repository. Remember, these aren’t necessarily good examples, though, so engage your critical eye.
• Experiment with a few different versions of your abstract. As you’ll know through bitter experience, it’s much harder to write succinctly than to produce pages of waffle. Start with a long version then gradually distil it down into a beautifully-crafted nugget.

Once you’ve squeezed out your abstract, you might even have a clearer idea of your thesis. This will help enormously with your viva, although that’s a challenge for another day.

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Trapped in dissertation revisions?

How to write a dissertation abstract, published by steve tippins on may 25, 2020 may 25, 2020.

Last Updated on: 3rd June 2022, 04:27 am

The abstract is where you “sell” your dissertation. In over 95% of the cases, the first thing people see will be your dissertation’s abstract. If others (such as potential employers or fellow researchers) are going to be looking at your dissertation, you have to get their interest in the abstract. 

How do you get people’s interest? Think about what you wanted to know when you were searching, and that’s what needs to be in the abstract (in addition to anything that your school requires). 

Normally dissertation abstracts are a page or less. You’ll want to include the problem you were looking at, the questions you wanted to answer, and the methodology you used. Also include what you found and what it means (the implications). For a more in-depth explanation of what to include, see the sample outline below.

Advice for Writing a Dissertation Abstract

Every word is important in a dissertation abstract. Because the space you have is so limited, you want to make sure that every word and phrase helps the reader understand what they’re going to gain when they read the entire document. On the other hand, you don’t want to put everything in the abstract because you want them to read the actual paper.

Avoid the temptation to make it more than a page long. The truth is, people aren’t going to read a multiple-page abstract, which means they won’t read your dissertation. Don’t think of it as condensing 100+ pages of material down into one page. Rather, think of it as giving an introduction to what is contained in the pages of your dissertation.

Some schools have a rubric to follow. If they do have one, follow it to the letter. This will save you time and help you please your committee more easily. There’s also usually a good reason behind the requirements they set out, so it will improve the quality of your abstract overall.

While it takes a certain artfulness to be concise, the abstract should be a relatively easy section to write. Basically, you just have to tell people what you did. You don’t need to report any new information or do anything you haven’t already done while writing your dissertation.

Dissertation Abstract Sample Outline

Traditionally, abstracts are less than a page in length, are not indented, and contain no citations. While different universities may have slightly different requirements, most want to see some variation of the following:

• Introduce the study topic and articulate the research problem.
• State the purpose of the study
• State the research method 
• Concisely describe the overall research design, methods, and data analysis procedures.
• Identify the participants.
• Present key results 
• Outline conclusions and recommendations

What Comes After Writing Your Dissertation Abstract?

Writing your dissertation abstract means you’ve completed your study. Congratulations! As you move through the final phases of getting your degree and into your new career path, you may need support navigating today’s competitive job market. 

Academic jobs are more competitive than ever, and starting your own business is best done with the guidance of someone who’s done it before. Take a look at my academic career coaching services and book a free 30-minute consultation .

If you’re still working on your dissertation, I also offer dissertation coaching and dissertation editing services.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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What is a dissertation abstract and how do I write one for my PhD?

Feb 12, 2019

There are a lot of posts that talk about how to write an abstract. Most say that you should write your abstract to impress your examiner.

We say that you need to flip things upside down: sure, your examiner will read it and want to see that you’ve written it well, but you should actually have your next boss in mind when you write it.

When you apply for your first academic job, the abstract may be the only part of your thesis that your new boss will read. They may not have the time or energy to read the whole thesis, so the abstract plays a crucial role. You should write it as if you academic career depends on it.

In this guide we talk about how to write an outstanding abstract that will (hopefully) land you a job.

If you haven’t already, make sure you download our PhD Writing Template , which you can use in conjunction with this guide to supercharge your PhD.

What is an abstract?

  This is fairly straightforward stuff, but let us be clear so we are all on the same page.

An abstract is a short summary at the beginning of the PhD that sums up the research, summarises the separate sections of the thesis and outlines the contribution.

It is typically used by those wishing to get a broad understanding of a piece of research prior to reading the entire thesis.

When you apply for your first academic job, the hiring manager will take a look through applicants’ abstracts (as well as your CV and covering letter) to create a shortlist. If you are lucky enough to do well at an interview, your potential new boss will take another look through it before deciding whether to offer you the job.

Why don’t they read the whole thing? Apart from the fact that they’re way too busy to read 200+ pages, a well written abstract actually contains all they need to know. It is a way of letting them see what your research is about, what contribution it makes, what your understanding of the field is and how or whether you will fit into the department.

So, you need to write it well.

But, don’t underestimate how hard it is to write a PhD thesis abstract. You have to condense hundred of pages and years of work into a few hundred words (exactly how many will depend on your university, so double check with them before you start writing).

How do I write a good PhD abstract?

Some blog posts use keywords to summarise the content (this one does, scroll down to see them). The abstract is similar. It’s an extended set of keywords to summarise a complex piece of research.

Above all, your PhD abstract should answer the question: ‘so what’ ? In other words, what is the contribution of your thesis to the field?

If you’ve been using our PhD writing template you’ll know that, to do this, your abstract should address six questions:

• What is the reason for writing the thesis?
• What are the current approaches and gaps in the literature?
• What are your research question(s) and aims?
• Which methodology have you used?
• What are the main findings?
• What are the main conclusions and implications?

One thing that should be obvious is that you can’t write your abstract until the study itself has been written. It’ll typically be the last thing you write (alongside the acknowledgements).

But how can I write a great one?

  The tricky thing about writing a great PhD abstract is that you haven’t got much space to answer the six questions above. There are a few things to consider though that will help to elevate your writing and make your abstract as efficient as possible:

• Give a good first impression by writing in short clear sentences
• Don’t repeat the title in the abstract
• Don’t cite references
• Use keywords from the document
• Respect the word limit
• Don’t be vague – the abstract should be a self contained summary of the research, so don’t introduce ambiguous words or complex terms
• Focus on just four or five essential points, concepts, or findings. Don’t, for example, try to explain your entire theoretical framework
• Edit it carefully. Make sure every word is relevant (you haven’t got room for wasted words) and that each sentence has maximum impact
• Avoid lengthy background information
• Don’t mention anything that isn’t discussed in the thesis
• Avoid overstatements
• Don’t spin your findings, contribution or significance to make your research sound grander or more influential that it actually is

Examples of a good and bad abstract

We can see that the bad abstract fails to answer the six questions posed above. It reads more like a PhD proposal, rather than a summary of a piece of research.

Specifically:

• It doesn’t discuss the reason why the thesis was written
• It doesn’t outline the gaps in the literature
• It doesn’t outline the research questions or aims
• It doesn’t discuss the methods
• It doesn’t discuss the findings
• It doesn’t discuss the conclusions and implications of the research.

It is also too short, lacks adequate keywords and introduces unnecessary detail. The abbreviations and references only serve to confuse the reader and the claim that the thesis will ‘develop a new theory of climate change’ is both vague and over-ambitious. The reader will see through this.

The good abstract though does a much better job at answering the six questions and summarising the research.

• The reason why the thesis was written is stated: ‘We do so to better enable policy makers and academics to understand the nuances of multi-level climate governance’ and….’it informs our theoretical understanding of climate governance by introducing a focus on local government hitherto lacking, and informs our empirical understanding of housing and recycling policy.’
• The gap is clearly defined: ‘The theory has neglected to account for the role of local governments.’
• The research question are laid out: ‘We ask to what extent and in what ways local governments in the UK’…
• The methods are hinted at: ‘Using a case study…’
• The findings are summarised: ‘We show that local governments are both implementers and interpreters of policy. We also show that they make innovative contributions to and influence the direction of national policy.’
• The conclusions and implications are clear: ‘The significance of this study is that it informs our theoretical understanding of climate governance by introducing a focus on local government hitherto lacking, and informs our empirical understanding of housing and recycling policy.’

This abstract is of a much better length, and it fully summarises what the thesis is about. We can see that if someone (i.e. your hiring manager) were to read just this abstract, they’d understand what your thesis is about and the contribution that it makes.

Your PhD thesis. All on one page. 

Use our free PhD structure template to quickly visualise every element of your thesis. 

I can’t summarise my thesis, what do I do?

  We suggest you fill out our PhD Writing Template . We’ve designed it so that you can visualise your PhD on one page and easily see the main components. It’s really easy to use. It asks you a few questions related to each section of your thesis. As you answer them, you develop a synopsis. You can use that synopsis to inform your abstract. If you haven’t downloaded it, you can find it here.

  Like everything related to writing, it takes practice before you get great at writing abstracts. Follow our tips and you’ll have a head start over others.

Remember, you’re not writing your abstract for anyone other than your hiring manager. Make sure it showcases the best of your research and shows your skills as both a researcher and a writer.

If you’re struggling, send us your abstract by email and we’ll have give you free advice on how to improve it.

Hello, Doctor…

Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Be able to call yourself Doctor sooner with our five-star rated How to Write A PhD email-course. Learn everything your supervisor should have taught you about planning and completing a PhD.

Now half price. Join hundreds of other students and become a better thesis writer, or your money back. 

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Hello! I am a first year PhD student and I am interested in your Thesis writing course. However, I don’t have Paypal, thus I would like to know if there is an alternative way for you to get paid. I hope so, because I have been “following” you and I think the course can be really useful for me 🙂 Hope to hear from you soon. Best wishes, Belén Merelas

Thanks for the comment – I have sent you an email.

Hello! I am a Master’s student and I have applied for a PhD position. The professors have asked me to write a short abstract-like text, based on a brief sentence they will send me, related to the project study. How am I supposed to write a text like that when I don’t have the whole paper, the methods, results etc? Thank you in advance!

Hi Maria. I’m afraid that without knowing more about your topic or subject I am unable to give you advice on this. Sorry I can’t help in the way you may have hoped.

Thank u so much… your tips have really helped me to broaden my scope on the idea of how to write an abstract for my Ph.D. course. This is so thoughtful of you… The article is very informative and helpful…Thanks again!

I’m so pleased. Thanks for your lovely words. They’re music to my ears.

Very insightful Thanks

Glad you think so. Good luck with the writing.

Thank you so much Doc

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Thesis Abstract: Writing Techniques and Guidelines

Table of contents

Let professional writers deal with your paper, quickly and efficiently.

Thesis abstract is an essential part of the dissertation paper. It is a summary of a complete work. It gives readers a chance to discover the key points of your dissertation, its research chapter, methodology and results part. Writing a proper abstract is important. Students use various techniques and guidelines to perform a perfect thesis abstract. Proper structure and of thesis dissertation is crucial. It should answer all the study’s questions and be written to identify a major element of a dissertation or thesis paper. Also check other thesis writing tips that will lead you to success or contact our thesis writing service to get professional help with Ph.D. work.

Thesis Abstract Writing Guidelines

Thesis abstract answers the main questions of an entire paper. This short summary is a single page of text. It needs to show key methods used in a work, problems analyzed and gathered outcomes of a complex research work. This kind of academic assignment requires profound knowledge. People, who read abstracts, prefer those summaries that remain short, but very informative, with presented limitations in research and clear study results.

How to write the abstract of a thesis ? Thesis abstract is a small version of your dissertation or thesis. This small description ensures a better understanding of an entire paper, discovers the present condition of analyzed problems, distinguishes main objectives and determines existing expectations. A profound analysis of a major question is requested. Abstract needs to be less than five percent of the dissertation. Students write thesis abstracts of a proper length, get information for the summary using their own personal background information, knowledge and analyses’ fallouts.

Thesis abstract includes main analyzed objectives, compound research questions, problem statements, detailed dissertation methodology, and conclusions. Abstract needs to include source references and acronyms. It allows describing the top point of a dissertation paper providing a good understanding of the studied subjects and discovering numerous outcomes. Key theories and hypotheses are requested parts. They bring needed thesis abstract accurate form and allow saving time for this essential part flawless completion. Don't forget to check out thesis abstract examples provided by our professional writers at the end of this article.

Tips on How To Write Dissertation Abstract

Writing a proper summary requires a good knowledge of an analyzed theme, valuable background information, improved writing and analytical skills. Advanced analytical skills allow performing its professional version. Key theories need to be a part of the short summary, showing main objectives of conducted analyses and research works. Proper thesis abstract format includes the following major elements:

• general background information;
• research hypotheses;
• methodology;
• conclusions;
• implications.

The beginning of abstract needs to include general information. It draws readers’ attention, allows them discovering key research work’ objectives and outcomes of conducted studies when reading a single summary. However, don't confuse an abstract with an executive summary. Checking introduction, people get main information about conducted work. It is a kind of dissertation’s professional review. Writing a thesis abstract takes time for performing and must be performed after the entire dissertation paper is complete. It is clever to write it in such a way. It saves precious time and efforts used for editing in future.

Thesis abstract has a limit of words and describes the major purpose of research works, writer’s contribution to assigned problem-solving history. Many scientists have made great discoveries in their dissertations. Today, students face the same challenges. Numerous investigations are conducted with an aim to answer main questions of dissertation paper and provide appropriate indications. The level of papers’ difficulty depends on a scientist’s personal characteristics. They mostly include research skills and general knowledge.

Three Key Elements of a Thesis Abstract 

Begin by clearly defining the purpose of your research. What practical or theoretical problem does the research respond to, or what research question did you aim to answer? You can include some brief context on the social or academic relevance of your topic, but don’t go into detailed background information.

After identifying the problem, state the objective of your research. Use verbs like investigate, test, analyze  or evaluate to describe exactly what you set out to do. This part of the abstract can be written in the present or past simple tense, but should never refer to the future, as the research is already complete.

After - mention the research methods that you used to answer your question. This part should be a direct description of what you did in one or two sentences. It is usually written in the past simple tense as it refers to completed actions. 

There is no need to evaluate validity or obstacles you might have encountered in this part - the goal is not to give an account of the methodology strengths and weaknesses, but to give the reader a quick insight into the overall approach and procedures you used. Mention whether you have used quantitative or qualitative methods. 

Results and Conclusion

Next - summarize the main research results. This part of the abstract can be in the present or past simple tense. Depending on how long and complex your research is, you may not be able to include all results here. Try to highlight only the most important findings that will allow the reader to understand your conclusions.

Finally, provide the main conclusion in thesis : what is your answer to the problem or question? The reader should finish with a clear understanding of the central point that your research has proved or argued. Conclusions are usually written in the present simple tense. If your aim was to solve a practical problem, the conclusions might include recommendations for implementation. If relevant, you can briefly make suggestions for further research.

Thesis Abstract Process of Writing

The literature review brings additional identifications and valuable sources of information. Writing down titles and authors of used works allows readers gaining additional sources of assigned problem discoveries and reaching data for calculations. Many analyses require accurate figures and numbers. You may connect present studies with investigations described in published articles and conducted by famous researchers in past. You show your own contributions and accounts. An abstract format may be updated many times. Each popular thesis abstract includes writer’s scores greatly described at the beginning of written dissertation work.

An accurate summary shows the author’s analytical and writing skills. It contains key objectives, research justifications, detailed methodology, writing techniques, major results and study statements. Never write thesis abstracts before completing a dissertation. Table of content and paper headings may be used as guidelines to write proper thesis abstract. Letting other people read your thesis abstract before submitting is important; it gives a chance to deal with possible mistakes in minutes. Thesis abstract includes various elements. It casts light on difficult methodology and identifies what your research problem is.

Experienced writers prefer writing a dissertation abstract after the entire paper was written and the results were reached. It allows creating a professional paper’s summary. Proper scientific content is important when readers generally read dissertation’s summaries first. This is a short version of the main paper allowing readers gaining the main information and building their own expectations about dissertation outcomes. This special content needs to be flawless and original.

Thesis abstract is an essential part of every dissertation paper. It is a professional summary of a complete dissertation work presented on a few pages at the beginning of the dissertation paper. It gives readers a chance to discover the key points of the dissertation, its research chapters, calculations, source references, methodology and results part. Writing a proper abstract is essential.

Students use various popular techniques and guidelines to perform perfect thesis abstract, including numerous summaries samples available online. Proper structure of short summary is crucial. It should answer all researches’ questions and be written to identify major elements and objectives of a dissertation. Thesis abstract answers main questions of the entire paper. This short summary is a single page of text. Every thesis abstract needs to show the key methods used in a work, problems analyzed and gathered outcomes of conducted complex research work.

Dissertation / Thesis Abstract Examples

Undergraduate level thesis abstract example.

Researcher: [Name Surname] Presentation Title: Characterization of Iron Deposition in Recombinant Heteropolymer Ferritins Research Focus: Chemistry School: [School Name] Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Abstract: Characterization of Iron Deposition in Recombinant Heteropolymer Ferritins Deneen Cole, Dr. Fadi Bou-Abdallah, SUNY Potsdam (NY, USA), Dr. Paolo Arosio, University of Brescia (Italy), Dr. Sonia Levi, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Italy) Ferritin is a ubiquitous iron storage and detoxification protein found highly conserved in species from bacteria to plants to humans. In mammals, ferritin is composed of two functionally and genetically distinct subunit types, H (heavy, ~21,000 Da) and L (light, ~19,000 Da) subunits which co-assemble in various ratios with tissue specific distribution to form a shell-like protein. The H-subunit is responsible for the fast conversion of Fe(II) to Fe(III) by dioxygen (or H2O2) whereas the L-subunit is thought to contribute to the nucleation of the iron core. In the present work, we investigated the iron oxidation and deposition mechanism in two recombinant heteropolymers ferritin samples of ~20H:4L (termed H/L) and ~22L:2H (termed L/H) ratios. Data indicates that iron oxidation occurs mainly on the H-subunit with a stoichiometry of 2Fe(II):1O2, suggesting formation of H2O2. The H/L sample completely regenerates its ferroxidase activity within a short period of time suggesting rapid movement of Fe(III) from the ferroxidase center to the cavity to form the mineral core, consistent with the role of L-chain in facilitating iron turn-over at the ferroxidase center of the H-subunit. In L/H, Fe(II) oxidation and mineralization appears to occur by two simultaneous pathways at all levels of iron additions: a peroxidation pathway with a 2Fe(II)/1O2 ratio and a mineralization pathway with a 4Fe(II)/1O2 resulting in an average net stoichiometry of ~3Fe(II)/1O2. These results illustrate how recombinant heteropolymer ferritins control iron and oxygen toxicity while providing a safe reservoir for reversible uptake and release of iron for use by the cell.

Graduate Level Thesis Abstract Example

Researcher: [Name Surname] Presentation Title: An Analysis of Yukon Delta Salmon Management Research Focus: Fisheries management related to Bering Sea fisheries and Yukon River salmon populations. School: [School Name] Student Level: Masters Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Abstract: The broad range of Pacific Alaskan salmon has resulted in the creation of a complex and multiorganizational system of management that includes the state of Alaska, various federal departments, a Congressionally-mandated fishery council, and a number of commercial and nongovernmental fish organizations. In the Bering Sea salmon are caught by the commercial groundfish fleet as by-catch. On the Yukon River salmon are commercially and traditionally harvested for both economic and cultural sustenance by the Yup’ik residents of the Yukon Delta. Declining salmon populations has driven scientific research which considers the effects of Bering Sea salmon by-catch. My research findings indicate that Bering Sea fisheries occur where juvenile salmon mature, directly impacting Yukon River salmon populations. Further, the research reflects that although Yukon salmon populations have plummeted, a recent effort was made to open the northern Bering Sea, which includes the Yukon River coastal shelf, to deep-sea commercial fishing. By researching the relationship of policy to cultural salmon dependence, it becomes evident that Alaskan salmon-tribes are excluded from salmon management and decision-making. Legal research reflects that three basic federal Indian concepts – inherent rights, Indian Country, and tribal right of occupancy – emerge as potential foundations that may allow Alaskan salmon tribes to begin sharing legal responsibility over salmon. Yukon River salmon are an international and anadromous species that require multi organizational management. My research reflects that current management favors the Bering Sea commercial fishing industry, despite data indicating Bering Sea fisheries impact Yukon salmon populations and an overall downward trend in Yukon salmon populations.

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How To Write a Great Abstract For Any Type Of Work

A research paper’s abstract is like a film trailer. It provides the reader with a preview of the paper and assists him/her to decide whether to continue reading. Although the abstract of an essay is short, most students find writing it confusing. So, how do you write a great paper abstract?

In this paper, we will take a closer look at abstracts to help you answer two main questions: “What is an abstract?” and “How do you write a great abstract for research papers, dissertation, or thesis?”

What Is An Abstract?

Key elements to factor when writing an abstract, how to write an abstract for a research paper, special tips on how to write an abstract for a research paper, example of paper abstract analysis, how to write an abstract for an essay.

Before starting the journey to write an abstract, it is crucial to understand what it is. An abstract is a short and concise summary of a larger paper such as an essay, term paper, thesis, or dissertation. It captures the scope and content of the main project. It also identifies the core objectives, the methodology used, the paper findings, and the conclusion.

The primary goal of an abstract is to summarize the main aspects of your paper.

However, you should appreciate that the purpose of an abstract is describing your project as opposed to the topic. For example, if your essay is about the impacts of computer games on students’ academic performance, the abstract should focus on your investigations, the findings, and the conclusion.

When working on how to write an abstract, it is also essential to appreciate that they fall into several categories.

• Critical abstracts

These types of abstracts are used to provide the arguments in your essay while giving a judgment about the study’s validity and paper’s completeness. It could also briefly compare the paper to others.

• Descriptive abstracts

In this category of abstracts, you only summarize the essay under consideration. You do not judge or compare it to other papers.

• Informative abstracts

This is the most typical type of abstract you will get out there. Although it does not compare the essay to others, it includes the conclusions and recommendations made by the author.

• Highlight abstract

This type of abstract is used to grab the reader’s attention. It is mainly used in media reports and rarely in academic writing.

While there are different types of abstracts, as we have demonstrated, they feature the same elements. Therefore, when you evaluate what an abstract in an essay or term paper is, it is also crucial to be conscious of these four elements.

The objective is used to get your readers acquainted with your paper. The objective is supposed to be the first one or two sentences of your abstract. Simply announce the problem you set off to address and the motivation.

After describing the objectives, the next component is the methods. In this part, you explain how you opted to solve the main problem brought out in the essay. This could be in the forms of steps or method that was used to get the solution. Note that the methods are dependent on the topic under consideration. Here are some demonstrations:

• In humanities, you should identify the theoretical frameworks or methodology assumptions.
• In social sciences, you should provide a concise description of the methods that you used to do the research.
• In a service project essay, consider outlining the processes followed.

As the name suggests, the goal of this section is to provide the results of your paper. If the study is not completed, you can provide a theory on the results or tentative findings.

Just like in your essay, the conclusion is the last part of your abstract. Here, you summarize the content that you have provided in the entire abstract. To make the conclusion more effective, try to answer the question: “What do the results that you have provided mean?”

NOTE : If you are working on very extensive research papers such as dissertations, including a brief introduction prior to the objectives will make the abstract more impressive. However, most abstracts do not have this section.

Now that we have told you the elements to include in an abstract, you are now ready to start crafting one like a pro. Note that the abstract should be as precise as possible. You should not worry about introducing facts to ensure the reader grasps the real picture of the topic. And you should not worry about making it longer. Here are the five main steps to follow:

• Start by writing your essay. The essay will help you get all the components to include in the abstract. If you do not have the main paper, trying to craft an abstract will not represent your work. It will be inaccurate.
• To write the objective and conclusion of the abstract, consider using essential information captured in the introduction and conclusion of your essay. Simply capture the most important premise of your essay. Then, summarize the info in a sentence or several.
• When researching your paper, make sure to note the information you use for the study. This information should be used when writing the abstract’s methods. Simply tell the reader about the process you followed to get the answer to the study problem.
• Once you have written the abstract, go over it to ensure it answers the following questions. What is the main objective of the paper? How did you carry the study? What answers did you get and what do they mean?
• Reread the abstract to clear clichés, errors, and mistakes. You could even ask an unbiased friend to help proofread the abstract for you.

At this point, you might be wondering, “Is there anything else you can do to make the abstract sparkle?” The answer is yes. We are going to list some useful tips that you can use:

• Make sure to start by crafting a great paper. Because the abstract is a summary of your work, it is crucial to ensure you have a great paper too.
• Instead of thinking of the abstract when you are through with your paper, it is better to have it at the back of your mind before starting. This will help you to easily jot down the main points to use when writing the abstract.
• Read another abstract example APA to hone your skills. The focus should be on establishing how other top writers have summarized their work and the mechanics of crafting a great abstract.
• Start practicing how to write an abstract example early enough. Because you know you will need to write an abstract at some point, it is advisable to start practicing right away.
• Strictly follow your teacher’s requirement for crafting your paper, including the abstract. If your teacher provides some specific rules or guidelines to follow when creating an abstract, it should be the primary focus of your work.

To help you grasp the concept of crafting a great abstract, we are going to look at one of the top samples and analyze it. The sample abstract is borrowed from Patrick A. et al., “Lineage Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Proliferative Induced Cardiac Progenitor Cells by Defined Factors. Cell Stem Cell , 2016, 18(3)354-367.

“ Several studies have reported reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes, however, reprogramming into proliferative induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs) remains to be accomplished. Here we report that a combination of 11 or 5 cardiac factors along with canonical Wnt and JAK/STAT signaling reprogrammed adult mouse cardiac, lung, and tail tip fibroblasts into iCPCs. The iCPCs were cardiac mesoderm-restricted progenitors that could be expanded extensively while maintaining multipotency to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells in vitro. Moreover, iCPCs injected into the cardiac crescent of mouse embryos differentiated into cardiomyocytes. iCPCs transplanted into the post-myocardial infarction mouse heart improved survival and differentiated into cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle cells, and endothelial cells. Lineage reprogramming of adult somatic cells into iCPCs provides a scalable cell source for drug discovery, disease modeling, and cardiac regenerative therapy.” (p. 354)

If you take a closer look at the above abstract, the first sentence is used to announce the topic that the researcher is working on. It also summarizes what is known about the subject and further signals the target for the new study.

In the 2 sentences, the abstract demonstrates the methods that were designed to achieve the preset objective. The last sentence brings out the implications for drug discovery, therapy, and disease modeling.

This essay has demonstrated that although most students find crafting great abstracts complicated, the secret is following the right steps. You need to have a good research paper and then pick the main points to craft your abstract. But we will also not lie here, summarizing your work is never easy for some students, even with a guide.

For some students, the skills for writing a great abstract are elusive. In most cases, honing writing skills requires time. But this is not the only thing that prevents students from crafting great abstracts.

• Some students might have other engagements that require urgent attention.
• The deadline for writing the abstract plus your paper might be too tight.
• The whole concept of crafting an abstract might be too complex.
• Even if you have some courage to write an abstract, you might fear crafting an average piece.

If you are unable to craft a great abstract because of any reason, you cannot afford to give up because your research paper or dissertation requires a great summary. The best alternative is seeking expert college writing help. The expert writers offer cheap writing services on essays, term papers, coursework, dissertations, and other types of academic writing. They are experts and know how to write an abstract APA, MLA, or Harvard, among other styles.

Do not get content with an average abstract, let professionals help you.

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How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis: Guide & Examples

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A dissertation abstract is a brief summary of a dissertation, typically between 150-300 words. It is a standalone piece of writing that gives the reader an overview of the main ideas and findings of the dissertation.

Generally, this section should include:

• Research problem and questions
• Research methodology
• Key findings and results
• Original contribution
• Practical or theoretical implications.

You need to write an excellent abstract for a dissertation or thesis, since it's the first thing a comitteee will review. Continue reading through to learn how to write a dissertation abstract. In this article, we will discuss its purpose, length, structure and writing steps. Moreover, for reference purposes, this article will include abstract examples for a dissertation and thesis and offer extra guidance on top of that.

In case you are in a hurry, feel free to buy dissertation from our professional writers. Our experts are qualified and have solid experience in writing Ph.D. academic works.

What Is a Dissertation Abstract?

Dissertation abstracts, by definition, are summaries of a thesis's content, usually between 200 and 300 words, used to inform readers about the contents of the study in a quick way. A thesis or dissertation abstract briefly overviews the entire thesis. Dissertation abstracts are found at the beginning of every study, providing the research recap, results, and conclusions. It usually goes right after your title page and before your dissertation table of contents . An abstract for a dissertation (alternatively called “précis” further in the article) should clearly state the main topic of your paper, its overall purpose, and any important research questions or findings. It should also contain any necessary keywords that direct readers to relevant information. In addition, it addresses any implications for further research that may stem from its field. Writing strong précis requires you to think carefully, as they are the critical components that attract readers to peruse your paper.

Purpose of a Dissertation or Thesis Abstract

The primary purpose of an abstract in a dissertation or thesis is to give readers a basic understanding of the completed work. Also, it should create an interest in the topic to motivate readers to read further. Writing an abstract for a dissertation is essential for many reasons: 

• Offers a summary and gives readers an overview of what they should expect from your study.
• Provides an opportunity to showcase the research done, highlighting its importance and impact.
• Identifies any unexplored research gaps to inform future studies and direct the current state of knowledge on the topic.

In general, an abstract of a thesis or a dissertation is a bridge between the research and potential readers.

What Makes a Good Abstract for a Dissertation?

Making a good dissertation abstract requires excellent organization and clarity of thought. Proper specimens must provide convincing arguments supporting your thesis. Writing an effective dissertation abstract requires students to be concise and write engagingly. Below is a list of things that makes it outstanding:

• Maintains clear and concise summary style
• Includes essential keywords for search engine optimization
• Accurately conveys the scope of the thesis
• Strictly adheres to the word count limit specified in your instructions
• Written from a third-person point of view
• Includes objectives, approach, and findings
• Uses simple language without jargon
• Avoids overgeneralized statements or vague claims.

How Long Should a Dissertation Abstract Be?

Abstracts should be long enough to convey the key points of every thesis, yet brief enough to capture readers' attention. A dissertation abstract length should typically be between 200-300 words, i.e., 1 page. But usually, length is indicated in the requirements. Remember that your primary goal here is to provide an engaging and informative thesis summary. Note that following the instructions and templates set forth by your university will ensure your thesis or dissertation abstract meets the writing criteria and adheres to all relevant standards.

Dissertation Abstract Structure

Dissertation abstracts can be organized in different ways and vary slightly depending on your work requirements. However, each abstract of a dissertation should incorporate elements like keywords, methods, results, and conclusions. The structure of a thesis or a dissertation abstract should account for the components included below:

• Title Accurately reflects the topic of your thesis.
• Introduction Provides an overview of your research, its purpose, and any relevant background information.
• Methods/ Approach Gives an outline of the methods used to conduct your research.
• Results Summarizes your findings.
• Conclusions Provides an overview of your research's accomplishments and implications.
• Keywords Includes keywords that accurately describe your thesis.

Below is an example that shows how a dissertation abstract looks, how to structure it and where each part is located. Use this template to organize your own summary. 

Things to Consider Before Writing a Dissertation Abstract

There are several things you should do beforehand in order to write a good abstract for a dissertation or thesis. They include:

• Reviewing set requirements and making sure you clearly understand the expectations
• Reading other research works to get an idea of what to include in yours
• Writing a few drafts before submitting your final version, which will ensure that it's in the best state possible.

Write an Abstract for a Dissertation Last

Remember, it's advisable to write an abstract for a thesis paper or dissertation last. Even though it’s always located in the beginning of the work, nevertheless, it should be written last. This way, your summary will be more accurate because the main argument and conclusions are already known when the work is mostly finished - it is incomparably easier to write a dissertation abstract after completing your thesis. Additionally, you should write it last because the contents and scope of the thesis may have changed during the writing process. So, create your dissertation abstract as a last step to help ensure that it precisely reflects the content of your project.

Carefully Read Requirements

Writing dissertation abstracts requires careful attention to details and adherence to writing requirements. Refer to the rubric or guidelines that you were presented with to identify aspects to keep in mind and important elements, such as correct length and writing style, and then make sure to comprehensively include them. Careful consideration of these requirements ensures that your writing meets every criterion and standard provided by your supervisor to increase the chances that your master's thesis is accepted and approved.   

Choose the Right Type of Dissertation Abstracts

Before starting to write a dissertation or thesis abstract you should choose the appropriate type. Several options are available, and it is essential to pick one that best suits your dissertation's subject. Depending on their purpose, there exist 3 types of dissertation abstracts: 

• Informative
• Descriptive

Informative one offers readers a concise overview of your research, its purpose, and any relevant background information. Additionally, this type includes brief summaries of all results and dissertation conclusions .  A descriptive abstract in a dissertation or thesis provides a quick overview of the research, but it doesn't incorporate any evaluation or analysis because it only offers a snapshot of the study and makes no claims.

Critical abstract gives readers an in-depth overview of the research and include an evaluative component. This means that this type also summarizes and analyzes research data, discusses implications, and makes claims about the achievements of your study. In addition, it examines the research data and recounts its implications. 

Choose the correct type of dissertation abstract to ensure that it meets your paper’s demands.

How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis?

Writing a good abstract for a dissertation or thesis is essential as it provides a brief overview of the completed research. So, how to write a dissertation abstract? First of all, the right approach is dictated by an institution's specific requirements. However, a basic structure should include the title, an introduction to your topic, research methodology, findings, and conclusions. Composing noteworthy precis allows you to flaunt your capabilities and grants readers a concise glimpse of the research. Doing this can make an immense impact on those reviewing your paper.

1. Identify the Purpose of Your Study

An abstract for thesis paper or dissertation is mainly dependent on the purpose of your study. Students need to identify all goals and objectives of their research before writing their précis - the reason being to ensure that the investigation’s progress and all its consequent findings are described simply and intelligibly. Additionally, one should provide some background information about their study. A short general description helps your reader acknowledge and connect with the research question. But don’t dive too deep into details, since more details are provided when writing a dissertation introduction . Scholars should write every dissertation abstract accurately and in a coherent way to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the area. This is the first section that potential readers will see, and it should serve as a precise overview of an entire document. Therefore, researchers writing abstracts of a thesis or dissertation should do it with great care and attention to details.

2. Discuss Methodology

A writer needs to elaborate on their methodological approach in an abstract of PhD dissertation since it acts as a brief summary of a whole research and should include an explanation of all methods used there. Dissertation and thesis abstracts discuss the research methodology by providing information sufficient enough to understand the underlying research question, data collection methods, and approach employed. Additionally, they should explain the analysis or interpretation of the data. This will help readers to gain a much better understanding of the research process and allow them to evaluate the data quality. Mention whether your methodology is quantitative or qualitative since this information is essential for readers to grasp your study's context and scope. Additionally, comment on the sources used and any other evidence collected. Furthermore, explain why you chose the method in the first place. All in all, addressing methodology is a crucial part of writing abstracts of a thesis or dissertation, as it will allow people to understand exactly how you arrived at your conclusions.

3. Describe the Key Results

Write your abstract for dissertation in a way that includes an overview of the research problem, your proposed solution, and any limitations or constraints you faced. Students need to briefly and clearly describe all key findings from the research. You must ensure that the results mentioned in an abstract of a thesis or dissertation are supported with evidence from body chapters.  Write about any crucial trends or patterns that emerged from the study. They should be discussed in detail, as this information can often provide valuable insight into your topic. Be sure to include any correlations or relationships found as a result of the study. Correlation, in this context, refers to any association between two or more variables.  Finally, write about any implications or conclusions drawn from your results: this is an essential element when writing an abstract for dissertation since it allows readers to firmly comprehend the study’s significance.

4. Summarize an Abstract for a Dissertation

Knowing how to write an abstract for dissertation is critical in conveying your work to a broad audience. Summarizing can be challenging (since precis is a summary in itself), but it is an essential part of any successful work. So, as a final step, conclude this section with a brief overview of the topic, outline the course of your research and its main results, and answer the paper’s central question.  Summarizing an abstract of your dissertation is done to give readers a succinct impression of the entire paper, making an accurate and concise overview of all its key points and consequent conclusions. In every PhD dissertation abstract , wrap up its summary by addressing any unanswered questions and discussing any potential implications of the research.

How to Format an Abstract in Dissertation

Format depends on the style (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago), which varies according to your subject's discipline. Style to use is usually mentioned in the instructions, and students should follow them closely to ensure formatting accuracy. These styles have guidelines that inform you about the formatting of titles, headings and subheadings, margins, page numbers, abstracts, and tell what font size and family or line spacing are required. Using a consistent formatting style ensures proper readability and might even influence paper’s overall structure. Another formatting concern to consider when writing dissertation and thesis abstracts is their layout. Most commonly, your paper should have a one-inch margin on all sides with double spacing. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the right guidelines to get the correct information on how to write dissertation abstract in APA format and ensure that it meets formatting standards.

Keywords in a Dissertation Abstract

When writing thesis abstracts, it is essential to include keywords. Keywords are phrases or words that help readers identify main topics of your paper and make it easier for them to find any information they need. Keywords should usually be placed at the end of a dissertation abstract and written in italics. In addition, include keywords that represent your paper's primary research interests and topics. Lastly, use keywords throughout your thesis to ensure that your précis accurately reflect an entire paper's content.

Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Examples

When writing, checking out thesis and dissertation abstracts examples from experts can provide a valuable reference point for structuring and formatting your own précis. When searching for an excellent sample template, engaging the assistance of a professional writer can be highly beneficial. Their expertise and knowledge offer helpful insight into creating an exemplary document that exceeds all expectations. Examples of dissertation abstracts from different topics are commonly available in scholarly journals and websites. We also encourage you to go and search your university or other local library catalogue -  multiple useful samples can surely be found there. From our part, we will attach 2 free examples for inspiration.

Dissertation abstract example

Thesis abstract example

Need a custom summary or a whole work? Contact StudyCrumb and get proficient assistance with PhD writing or dissertation proposal help .

Extra Tips on Writing a Dissertation Abstract

Writing a dissertation or PhD thesis abstract is not an easy task. You must ensure that it accurately reflects your paper's content. In this context, we will provide top-class tips on how to write an abstract in a dissertation or thesis for you to succeed. Combined with an example of a dissertation abstract above, you can rest assured that you'll do everything correctly. Below are extra tips on how to write a thesis abstract:

• Keep it concise, not lengthy - around 300 words.
• Focus on the “what”, “why”, “how”, and “so what” of your research.
• Be specific and concrete: avoid generalization.
• Use simple language: précis should be easy to understand for readers unfamiliar with your topic.
• Provide enough relevant information so your readers can grasp a main idea without necessarily reading your paper in its entirety.
• Write and edit your abstract several times until every sentence is clear and concise.
• Verify accuracy: make sure that précis reflect your content precisely.

Bottom Line on How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Abstract

The bottom line when it comes to how to write a dissertation abstract is that you basically need to mirror your study's essence on a much lower scale. Specifically, students should keep their précis concise, use simple language, include relevant information, and write several drafts. Don't forget to review your précis and make sure they are precise enough. In addition, make sure to include all keywords so readers can find your paper quickly. You are encouraged to examine several sample dissertation abstracts to understand how to write your own.

Are you still struggling with your abstract? Contact our dissertation writing service and our qualified writers will gladly help you with this uneasy task. They will make sure it is delivered strictly on time and meets all requirements!  

FAQ About Dissertation Abstract Writing

1. why is a dissertation abstract important.

Dissertation abstracts are important because they give readers a brief overview of your research. They succinctly introduce critical information and study’s key points to help readers decide if reading your thesis is worth their time. During indexing, an abstract allows categorizing and filtering papers through keyword searches. Consequently, this helps readers to easily find your paper when searching for information on a specific topic.

2. When should I write an abstract for a dissertation or thesis?

You are supposed to write a dissertation or thesis abstract after completing research and finishing work on your paper. This way, you can write précis that accurately reflects all necessary information without missing any important details. Writing your thesis précis last also lets you provide the right keywords to help readers find your dissertation.

3. What should a dissertation abstract include?

A dissertation abstract should include a research problem, goals and objectives, methods, results, and study implications. Ensure that you incorporate enough information so readers can get an idea of your thesis's content without reading it through. Use relevant keywords to ensure readers can easily find your paper when searching for information on a specific topic.

4. How to write a strong dissertation abstract?

To write a strong abstract for a dissertation, you should state your research problem, write in an active voice, use simple language, and provide relevant information. Additionally, write and edit your précis several times until it is clear and concise, and verify that it accurately mirrors your paper’s content. Reviewing several samples is also helpful for understanding how to write your own.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

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24 popular academic phrases to write your abstract (+ real examples)

A helpful strategy to write an academic abstract is to incorporate key academic phrases commonly used in abstracts of published papers. This way, you can learn from real examples and improve your abstract writing skills.

The different components of academic abstracts

Abstracts are brief summaries of conducted studies or research that are used in academic papers, theses, and dissertations. They tend to be around 100-300 words long, and are usually positioned right under the research title and before the introduction.

A straightforward process can be followed when writing an abstract since abstracts are generally structured similarly and address several key components.

Abstracts can be written in a structured or an unstructured format. Structured abstracts provide clear headings to organize the content, such demonstrated in the following example:

Abstracts that are written in an unstructured format, on the other hand, do not use headings to divide the text. Instead, unstructured abstracts are written in one block or paragraph, which is demonstrated in this example:

Even though unstructured abstracts do not use headings, they still adhere to a specific structure and address all key components that should be included.

So if you want to write your abstract, make sure you take over a firm structure, regardless of whether you opt for a structured or an ‘unstructured’ format.

Academic key phrases to highlight a research gap in an abstract

Existing studies have failed to address…, yet, it remains unknown how….

Example: “ Yet, it remains unknown how findings from aeolian landscapes translate to aquatic systems and how young clonally expanding plants in hydrodynamically exposed conditions overcome these establishment thresholds by optimizing shoot placement. “ ( Van de Ven, 2022 et al., p. 1339 )

There is, however, still little research on…

Academic key phrases to highlight the relevance of a study in an abstract, the topic gained considerable attention in the academic literature in….

Example: “ The relationship between BITs and FDI gained considerable attention in the academic literature in the last two decades .” ( Amendolagine and Prota, 2021, p. 173 )

New approaches are needed to address…

The proposed framework overcomes…., understanding… is critical to….

Example: “ Understanding changes in infectiousness during SARS-COV-2 infections is critical to assess the effectiveness of public health measures such as contact tracing. ” ( Hart et al., 2020, p. 1 )

Academic key phrases to explain the research aim or objectives in an abstract

The objective of this study is to…, the aim is to shed light on…, this study aims to answer the following research question:.

Example: “ This study aims to answer the following research question: how is the resilience of firms defined in the business and management field? ” ( Conz and Magnani, 2020, p. 400 )

In this study, we develop…

This research examines…, academic key phrases to describe the research methodology in an abstract, we assess… through using….

Example: “ Exploiting bilateral data on asylum seeking applications for 157 countries over the period 2006–2015, we assess the determinants of refugee flows using a  gravity model  which accounts for endogenous selection in order to examine the causal link between climate, conflict and forced migration.” ( Abel et al., 2019, p. 239 )

Hypotheses were tested through…

By exploiting a unique sample of…, we develop a novel approach….

Example: “ Here, we develop a novel mechanistic approach to infer the infectiousness profile of SARS-COV-2-infected individuals using data from known infector–infectee pairs .” ( Hart et al., 2020, p. 1 )

Academic key phrases to summarize the results in an abstract

The conducted experiments demonstrate…, the analysis revealed that…, the findings shed new light on….

Example: “These findings shed new light on how plant traits interact with their environment to shape the landscape and pave the way for improved restoration designs by mimicking the natural shoot organization of establishing vegetation. ” ( Van de Ven, 2022 et al., p. 1339 )

Our results indicate that…

Academic key phrases to present research conclusions in an abstract, this research offers significant and timely insight…, the findings support the use of….

Example: “The findings support the use of legal referral pathways that can limit the negative impacts of carceral system involvement while highlighting the need for better strategies to engage and retain RVIP clients who have no court involvement.” ( Evans et al. 2022, p. 1 )

Further research is needed…

We conclude by…, master academia, get new content delivered directly to your inbox, sample emails asking for letter of recommendation from a professor, 26 powerful academic phrases to write your introduction (+ real examples), related articles, 75 linking words for academic writing (+examples), 10 qualities of successful postgraduate students, 13 great academic phrases to write your discussion (+ published examples), 10 key skills of successful master’s students.

Enjoy a completely custom, expertly-written dissertation. Choose from hundreds of writers, all of whom are career specialists in your subject.

Everything to Know About Writing a Thesis Abstract

The thesis abstract is often written at the end of your research study in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree as a sort of summary of the entire work. It is used by others as a way to understand what your work is about and what the results present. The difference between abstract and thesis is that it is used by readers to quickly scan and determine whether or not your work is relevant to their studies.

In this sense, it is different from an introduction because it is highly condensed and offers no opinions. It only gives the essential details one needs to know to read the entire work or not. In this article on how to write a good abstract for a thesis, we will clearly define its major components and show you a quick method for writing one.

Just like a movie trailer or teaser, an abstract that is well written can keep the readers glued to your thesis. It comes first because its major role is to entice your readers to grab their attention and at the same time feed them with concise information about your thesis.

Indeed, most individuals don’t have the luxury of time and enough attention to go through various papers before getting what they want. So the first and foremost, read through your abstract to see if it looks like what they want.  Then, they go further to read your thesis.

An abstract is more than a summary of your work. It is a copywriting tool to attract readers. It works with the thesis title while standing alone in full capacity. In other words, your thesis or dissertation abstract should be able to represent your thesis. It should be able to stand for your thesis. There is a need to bear all this in kind when carving out an abstract for your thesis.

What Is a Thesis Abstract?

The thesis abstract is an essential section of your work towards a bachelor’s work to earn degree. The abstract for the dissertation is presented at the beginning of your document and is often considered to be the first important component of your study that is read by other students, academics, and researchers. When writing your abstract , you are essentially providing a summary of your work; it is your chance to set reasonable expectations.

It provides all of the main elements of your research study in a condensed paragraph consisting of 250 to 300 words immediately following your title page and utilizing several keywords to help computer searches find relevant information from your study. It helps readers understand the nature and significance of your research study so that they can make a judgment as to whether or not your work can help them with their studies.

If you have the time to check out thesis abstract examples, you find that this section achieves grabbing a reader’s attention in just a few sentences. It will have an intro, body, and conclusion all held within a well-structured and concise paragraph. It gives a broad overview but it hooks the reader to take your work into legitimate consideration. While most people will not want to read an entire thesis, a well-written abstract of the thesis will summarize the key points a reader needs to feel compelled to keep going.

In addition, your thesis abstract should be a well-structured summary of vital points. It must contain a part of everything that your thesis entails. So, when writing your abstract you must bear in mind the methodology, results, discussion, and even the conclusion. It is a broad but precise and concise overview of your thesis, and you must treat it that way.

What is the Purpose of an Abstract for Thesis

The aims of an abstract master thesis should be to answer five important questions:.

• Why did you decide to do this particular research study?
• How you conducted the research study?
• What were the results or discoveries of the study?
• Why the study and results/discoveries important?
• Why should someone read the entire thesis?

Students often wonder “does the abstract contain the thesis”.The answer to this is yes. You should explain the problem (questions) you are solving and provide the hypothesis you made. You should also briefly explain your methods by providing a clear overview of how you accomplished your research study. It’s a good idea to refer to a sample abstract for thesis to identify each of the five questions that are answered above so that you can mimic this section’s basic structure accurately.

Before you read our examples of thesis abstract, we would like to show you some of the pitfalls to avoid in writing your abstract.

• Not writing it as a summary of the entire thesis
• Not explaining your results
• Overemphasizing the method
• Overemphasizing the background
• Adding information that’s not a part of the thesis
• Not adding keywords

There are many more pitfalls to avoid. These were just handpicked to help you stay alert and guide you to write an abstract that works.

Thesis Abstract Example

Make sure you keep your abstract in order and be certain you stay within the 300 word limit. You might want to refer to the thesis proposal you wrote before starting your research study. While the two documents are different, the proposal may serve as a thesis abstract example that you can check that the order of the most important elements is structured the same way.

Bear in mind that the abstract should prepare the reader in advance of the full text. They may never read the complete thesis but can refer to work in bibliographies. The most common error in this section is to forget putting in the research questions and the results of the study. Make sure you create a checklist of all the important elements of the thesis. This will help you remember what needs to go in the abstract while remaining within the required word limit.

How to Write a Thesis Abstract

Do not panic if you don’t know how to write a thesis abstract in a short period. Remember that it is only a stand-alone summary of the study you have done to give the reader an overview of its essential components. The master thesis abstract explains precisely what you did in your research study in a few sentences that normally do not surpass 350 words. For the exact amount of how to write an abstract for a thesis for your school and discipline, you should always check with your department or get an example of an abstract in a thesis paper.

• Keep it Simple. Write Your Thesis First By now you should get that the abstract goes at the start of the thesis, however, it doesn’t mean you need to write it first. Just like it has been a great strategy to write an intro last, you should approach the abstract similarly. It’s a summary of the entire work and lists its most important components. Make sure you write the thesis core first before attempting the abstract.
• Double Check Requirements for the Abstract The thesis you are writing will likely have a list of requirements you need to follow. These are usually determined by whatever department you are getting a degree in. You can always ask to see a sample abstract for the thesis paper directly from the department office or request a copy from your advisor. Double-checking requirements will ensure you don’t make minor mistakes that can lower your grade.
• Keep Your Audience In Mind When Writing Keep in mind that writing an abstract for a thesis serves a very important purpose: it is a way of letting your readers find work they can use for information related to their research studies. Researchers, academics, and students rely on prior theses to build their work upon. An abstract must help them make a quick choice as to whether or not your work can help them.
• Determine the Kind of Abstract You Need The dissertation abstract should accomplish the same thing in telling the reader what a thesis is about, there are two different styles a student can use to do this: descriptive and informative. Make sure you stick with whatever department requirements you have and always double-check with your advisor. This guarantees you apply the right approach.
• Make Sure Your Writing is Succinct You may think that it will be easy writing just a few hundred words in comparison to the thousands of words you have already written in the full-text thesis. But the word limitation of 250 – 300 is precisely what makes this exercise so challenging. You need to make sure you write clearly and concisely. Don’t substitute long phrases for direct words. This will allow you to include all of the most important information without going over the word limit.

Master Thesis Abstract Sources

One of the best places to find an abstract sample for a thesis or scientific paper is at the college or university library. Each of these places houses thousands of completed documents where you can find a Ph.D. dissertation abstract you can use as a guide to writing your own. If you don’t know where to start looking, speak to a reference librarian to get assistance with your search. It’s recommended that you find abstract samples that are closely related to your topic. This will help answer any questions you have about how abstracts in your discipline are usually written. Another really good option is to hire a professional writing service to provide you with a thesis or dissertation abstract template to use to apply to your work.

On the other hand, you could also reach out to us to help you write an abstract.

Where to Get a Thesis Abstract Sample

Again, a dissertation abstract must be properly written. If not, it wouldn’t perform its role. You don’t have to go through sleepless nights and bouts of headaches just to come up with a befitting abstract. We are there for you- just a call away.

So, if you need more assistance writing an abstract for a thesis or dissertation paper or need to get your hands on some good research paper abstract examples, contact our customer support experts. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are always prepared to answer your questions, point you to great resources, and put you in connection with an academic expert that can help you with this and other academic assignments. Dissertation abstract writing can be tricky, so be sure you reach out for help when you need it. We’re glad to be at service and promise to provide the best service possible.

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Sample Abstracts for Writing

These pages show two examples of typical abstracts from honours theses. Notice that the stages of the abstracts have been labelled, so that you can see the function of each sentence or part-sentence. You can also see that there are differences in the type of information that is included in each abstract, as well as differences in level of detail.

Sample 1: Genetic Mechanisms and Dissemination of Antibiotic Resistance

Abstract (Background statement)  The spread of antibiotic resistance is aided by mobile elements such as transposons and conjugative plasmids. ( Narrowing statement)  Recently, integrons have been recognised as genetic elements that have the capacity to contribute to the spread of resistance. ( Elaboration of narrowing) (statement)  Integrons constitute an efficient means of capturing gene cassettes and allow expression of encoded resistance. (Aims)  The aims of this study were to screen clinical isolates for integrons, characterise gene cassettes and extended spectrum b-lactamase (ESBL) genes.   (Extended aim)  Subsequent to this, genetic linkage between ESBL genes and gentamicin resistance was investigated.  (Results)  In this study, 41 % of multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria and 79 % of extended-spectrum b-lactamase producing organisms were found to carry either one or two integrons, as detected by PCR.   (Results)   A novel gene cassette contained within an integron was identified from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, encoding a protein that belongs to the small multidrug resistance (SMR) family of transporters.  (Results)   pLJ1, a transferable plasmid that was present in 86 % of the extended-spectrum b-lactamase producing collection, was found to harbour an integron carrying aadB, a gene cassette for gentamicin, kanamycin and tobramycin resistance and a blaSHV-12 gene for third generation cephalosporin resistance.  (Justification of results)  The presence of this plasmid accounts for the gentamicin resistance phenotype that is often associated with organisms displaying an extended-spectrum b-lactamase phenotype. (Jones 2004, p.9)

Sample 2: Permeable Treatment Walls 

Abstract (Background statement)   A review of groundwater remediation in use today shows that new techniques are required that solve the problems of pump and treat, containment and in-situ treatment.   (Narrowing statement)  One such technique is the method that involves the use of permeable treatment walls.   (Elaboration)  These methods use a reactive medium such as iron to remediate contaminated groundwater.   (Aim*)  Several methods of implementing this remediation strategy have been described.   (Elaboration of aim)  These methods include injection and trenching.   (Specific focus of aim)  The use of a funnel and gate system via a trench has been examined in detail  (Methods)  using a groundwater modelling option of the FLAC program.   (Methods)  The modelling involved an analysis of the effect of changing the lengths of the walls and gate, varying the permeability, and varying the number of gates.   (Results)  The results showed that increasing the wall length, gate length and permeability increases the size of the plume captured.   (Key result)  An important factor in designing the walls is the residence time of the water in the gate or the contact time of the contaminant with the reactive media.   (Evaluation of results)  A sensitivity analysis has been conducted that shows that increasing the size of the capture zone decreases the residence time  (Limitations)  which will limit the design.   (Future applications and research)  The results of the modelling and sensitivity analysis are presented such that they can be used as an aid to the design of permeable treatment walls. (Dasey G. 1996 p.i) 

 *   This is the aim of the research, but it is not very clearly stated.  It might be better if the aim was made more explicit.

Sample 3: The Effects of Flouride on the Reproduction of Three Native Australian Plant Species

Note: This abstract is referred to as an Executive Summary (original 2 pages)

(Background statement)  No other form of environmental pollution has had as widespread detrimental effect on the growth and reproductive capacity of plants as air pollution.  (Narrowing statement)  Fluorides have long been recognized as highly toxic and research has shown that they are the most phytotoxic of all air pollutants.  (Elaboration of narrowing statement)  One of the most subtle impacts of fluoride on plant development is on their reproductive processes… There has been very little work directed towards forest trees, and especially native Australian species. (Broad purpose of study)  An understanding of the effects of fluoride on the reproductive processes of plant species within a forest community may help predict changes within the community following an increase in atmospheric fluoride arising from industrial sources. (Narrowing of purpose of study)  This study investigates the effects of increased atmospheric fluoride emissions from an aluminium smelter, on the reproductive processes of three native species, Banksia aemula, Bossiaea heterophylla and Actinotus helianthi. Elaboration of purpose Attention has also been paid to the soil seed reserve as an important resource for the replacement of adult plants within the community. (Results)  For Banksia aemula the study found that the reproduction of this fluoride-sensitive species may be affected in the close vicinity of the smelter… For the two ground layer species the study found that the fluoride may be affecting the Bossiaea heterophylla but having no discernible or very little effect on the Actinotus helianthi.** (Significance of results 1)  The implications of these results for the forest community are that sensitive native species such as the long-lived Banksia aemula and Bossiaea heterophylla will be removed from the plant community close to the smelter. This will reduce the resources they provide to the existing ecosystem but will, however, free more resources for the more resistant opportunist species such as Actinotus helianthi as well as the many introduced species.  (Significance of results 2)  The soil seed reserve study indicated that the seed reserve was very small in all areas. This would have several negative impacts on the natural regeneration of the area in the event of the closure of the smelter… (Future research)  Further research is recommended to assess the biochemical pathways for both the vegetative and reproductive processes and the mechanisms of the pollination of this important species… This may need to be repeated at certain intervals to monitor any further changes that may result from the higher fluoride emissions of the new expansion.

Exercise for sample 3

The abstract (executive summary) above has been summarised to focus on key stages. Some of the omitted text is reproduced below. Can you identify the stages?

• The effects of the fluoride for the forest species were assessed by measuring several reproductive and associated characteristics of the plants found within forest areas along a fluoride gradient. 

See answer:

This is the only sentence which outlines the Method of the study. It is the next sentence after the Elaboration of purpose.

• Bossiaea heterophylla shows more visible signs of fluoride stress close to the smelter. Insect damage to the Bossiaea heterophylla seed pods were observed in the background sites but not in the high fluoride sites indicating that the fluoride may be having an effect on the seed predators close to the smelter. 

This short text is part of the Results and follows on from the results section above.

• This study looked at the difference in visible structures associated with reproduction. Leaves of the Banksia aemula trees growing close to the smelter have accumulated large concentrations of foliar fluoride. Whether this is affecting the physiology and biochemical processes of the plan(which in turn may indirectly affect the reproduction potential of the plants) or the increased fluoride in the atmosphere is directly affecting the reproduction mechanisms is difficult to ascertain from this study.

This text is the first part of the concluding paragraph. The remainder of the paragraph discusses further research.

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