How to Write an Abstract for Dissertation

Writing a dissertation abstract can be confusing and takes a lot of brain-work sometimes. You might have finished or about to finish writing your dissertation. Now, this is the time to write an amazing Abstract for the Dissertation. Let’s discuss it in a simplified way.

What is a dissertation abstract?

An abstract is a summary of your dissertation with steps . It is the brief writing of the dissertation. The abstract is written on a separate page and gives an overview of your dissertation. It’s like writing hundreds of pages of your dissertation in a single page.

Where does the abstract appear in a dissertation?

The abstract page appears after the title page and the acknowledgment page and right before the table of content page in a dissertation or a research paper.

Title page→ Acknowledgement page→ Abstract→ Table of content

What is the word and page limit for an abstract?

The abstract word limit is 150-300 words generally. However, check the guidelines from your university on the various word limits for your dissertation or research paper. The abstract is always written on a separate page in a dissertation or research page.

How do you write an Abstract? 

There are different ways you can write an abstract. We will be focusing on a few major points to be taken care of while writing an abstract to make it more impactful for the readers.

These four points have to be kept in mind while writing an abstract:

• Aim of your research
• Technique or method
• Result or outcome of the research
• Conclusion

Let’s discuss all the above points thoroughly with examples for a better understanding

Aim or Objective

 Start by writing the objective or the aim of the dissertation. Write about the research problem and why you are doing this research. Keep it short and precise. The aim should be written in the present tense or past simple tense.

Using strong verbs like Investigates, study, inquire, analysis, etc creates more impact and is recommended to be used.

Example-

Incorrect- This study will be analyzing the relationship between public and private transport users.

Correct- This study analyzed the relationship between public and private transport users.

Procedure or Technique

The procedure or technique part is about the methods used in your research paper or dissertation. Be descriptive on this and write for about two-three lines on methods. Do not mention the limitation of your techniques. The methods have to be written in present tense or past simple tense, remember we are talking about the study which has been already completed.

Example-

Incorrect – Surveys will be conducted in various public places.

Correct – Surveys were conducted in various public places.

Result or outcome

After methods, Your outcome or result has to be written and discussed in this section of your Abstract. Just keep it in mind that depending upon the complexity of your result and process this has to be brief and precise. Writing all results with specifications might not be a good idea to be included in this section but the words need to give a clear idea of the main and important result.

This section will be written in present tense or past simple tense

Example-

Incorrect- Our research has shown some similarities and differences between public and private transport users.

Correct- Our research shows some similarities and differences between public and private transport users.

Conclusion

The conclusion section of your abstract will give a final idea of your work and views. Try to conclude your work and result in a precise manner. The reader should not be left with any doubts about the dissertation after reading this. This is generally written in the present tense.

Depending upon your dissertation type, if you want to give suggestions and recommendations for the readers you can include that in this section.

Example-

Incorrect- We concluded that private transportation users are more than public transportation users.

Correct- We concluded that private transportation users are more than public transportation users.

FAQ

 Q1. In which tense the abstract is written?

The abstract is usually written in the present tense or the past simple tense. As the study has already been done to avoid using any future tense sentence in your abstract.

Q2. How long is an abstract?

The length of an abstract is generally 150-300 words but it also depends upon the word limit guidelines of your university kindly cross-check before writing the abstract for your dissertation.

Q3. Does a research paper include an abstract?

Yes, A research paper includes an abstract. You must include an abstract in your doctoral dissertation, thesis, dissertation, research articles, and journal too.

Q4. What does an abstract include?

An abstract includes a summary of your whole dissertation. It is brief writing of your long work. Generally, People read just the abstract of a dissertation first. Therefore it should be precise enough to explain your whole work.

Q5. Where does an abstract go in a dissertation or thesis?

An abstract page goes after the title page and acknowledgment page but before the Table of content page in a dissertation.