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How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples

Published on February 28, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 18, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a thesis ,  dissertation or research paper ). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research, so that readers know exactly what your paper is about.

Although the structure may vary slightly depending on your discipline, your abstract should describe the purpose of your work, the methods you’ve used, and the conclusions you’ve drawn.

One common way to structure your abstract is to use the IMRaD structure. This stands for:

• Introduction

Abstracts are usually around 100–300 words, but there’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check the relevant requirements.

In a dissertation or thesis , include the abstract on a separate page, after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

Table of contents

Abstract example, when to write an abstract, step 1: introduction, step 2: methods, step 3: results, step 4: discussion, tips for writing an abstract, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about abstracts.

Hover over the different parts of the abstract to see how it is constructed.

This paper examines the role of silent movies as a mode of shared experience in the US during the early twentieth century. At this time, high immigration rates resulted in a significant percentage of non-English-speaking citizens. These immigrants faced numerous economic and social obstacles, including exclusion from public entertainment and modes of discourse (newspapers, theater, radio).

Incorporating evidence from reviews, personal correspondence, and diaries, this study demonstrates that silent films were an affordable and inclusive source of entertainment. It argues for the accessible economic and representational nature of early cinema. These concerns are particularly evident in the low price of admission and in the democratic nature of the actors’ exaggerated gestures, which allowed the plots and action to be easily grasped by a diverse audience despite language barriers.

Keywords: silent movies, immigration, public discourse, entertainment, early cinema, language barriers.

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You will almost always have to include an abstract when:

• Completing a thesis or dissertation
• Submitting a research paper to an academic journal
• Writing a book or research proposal
• Applying for research grants

It’s easiest to write your abstract last, right before the proofreading stage, because it’s a summary of the work you’ve already done. Your abstract should:

• Be a self-contained text, not an excerpt from your paper
• Be fully understandable on its own
• Reflect the structure of your larger work

Start 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 dissertation topic , but don’t go into detailed background information. If your abstract uses specialized terms that would be unfamiliar to the average academic reader or that have various different meanings, give a concise definition.

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.

• This study will investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.
• This study investigates the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.

Next, indicate the research methods that you used to answer your question. This part should be a straightforward 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.

• Structured interviews will be conducted with 25 participants.
• Structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants.

Don’t evaluate validity or obstacles here — the goal is not to give an account of the methodology’s strengths and weaknesses, but to give the reader a quick insight into the overall approach and procedures you used.

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Next, summarize the main research results . This part of the abstract can be in the present or past simple tense.

• Our analysis has shown a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
• Our analysis shows a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
• Our analysis showed a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.

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, you should discuss the main conclusions of your research : 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.

• We concluded that coffee consumption increases productivity.
• We conclude that coffee consumption increases productivity.

If there are important limitations to your research (for example, related to your sample size or methods), you should mention them briefly in the abstract. This allows the reader to accurately assess the credibility and generalizability of your research.

If your aim was to solve a practical problem, your discussion might include recommendations for implementation. If relevant, you can briefly make suggestions for further research.

If your paper will be published, you might have to add a list of keywords at the end of the abstract. These keywords should reference the most important elements of the research to help potential readers find your paper during their own literature searches.

Be aware that some publication manuals, such as APA Style , have specific formatting requirements for these keywords.

It can be a real challenge to condense your whole work into just a couple of hundred words, but the abstract will be the first (and sometimes only) part that people read, so it’s important to get it right. These strategies can help you get started.

Read other abstracts

The best way to learn the conventions of writing an abstract in your discipline is to read other people’s. You probably already read lots of journal article abstracts while conducting your literature review —try using them as a framework for structure and style.

You can also find lots of dissertation abstract examples in thesis and dissertation databases .

Reverse outline

Not all abstracts will contain precisely the same elements. For longer works, you can write your abstract through a process of reverse outlining.

For each chapter or section, list keywords and draft one to two sentences that summarize the central point or argument. This will give you a framework of your abstract’s structure. Next, revise the sentences to make connections and show how the argument develops.

Write clearly and concisely

A good abstract is short but impactful, so make sure every word counts. Each sentence should clearly communicate one main point.

To keep your abstract or summary short and clear:

• Avoid passive sentences: Passive constructions are often unnecessarily long. You can easily make them shorter and clearer by using the active voice.
• Avoid long sentences: Substitute longer expressions for concise expressions or single words (e.g., “In order to” for “To”).
• Avoid obscure jargon: The abstract should be understandable to readers who are not familiar with your topic.
• Avoid repetition and filler words: Replace nouns with pronouns when possible and eliminate unnecessary words.
• Avoid detailed descriptions: An abstract is not expected to provide detailed definitions, background information, or discussions of other scholars’ work. Instead, include this information in the body of your thesis or paper.

If you’re struggling to edit down to the required length, you can get help from expert editors with Scribbr’s professional proofreading services or use the paraphrasing tool .

Check your formatting

If you are writing a thesis or dissertation or submitting to a journal, there are often specific formatting requirements for the abstract—make sure to check the guidelines and format your work correctly. For APA research papers you can follow the APA abstract format .

Checklist: Abstract

The word count is within the required length, or a maximum of one page.

The abstract appears after the title page and acknowledgements and before the table of contents .

I have clearly stated my research problem and objectives.

I have briefly described my methodology .

I have summarized the most important results .

I have stated my main conclusions .

I have mentioned any important limitations and recommendations.

The abstract can be understood by someone without prior knowledge of the topic.

You've written a great abstract! Use the other checklists to continue improving your thesis or dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

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An abstract is a concise summary of an academic text (such as a journal article or dissertation ). It serves two main purposes:

• To help potential readers determine the relevance of your paper for their own research.
• To communicate your key findings to those who don’t have time to read the whole paper.

Abstracts are often indexed along with keywords on academic databases, so they make your work more easily findable. Since the abstract is the first thing any reader sees, it’s important that it clearly and accurately summarizes the contents of your paper.

An abstract for a thesis or dissertation is usually around 200–300 words. There’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check your university’s requirements.

The abstract is the very last thing you write. You should only write it after your research is complete, so that you can accurately summarize the entirety of your thesis , dissertation or research paper .

Avoid citing sources in your abstract . There are two reasons for this:

• The abstract should focus on your original research, not on the work of others.
• The abstract should be self-contained and fully understandable without reference to other sources.

There are some circumstances where you might need to mention other sources in an abstract: for example, if your research responds directly to another study or focuses on the work of a single theorist. In general, though, don’t include citations unless absolutely necessary.

The abstract appears on its own page in the thesis or dissertation , after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

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McCombes, S. (2023, July 18). How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved November 9, 2023, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/abstract/

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• Abstract schreiben + Bachelorarbeit Beispiel

Abstract schreiben + Bachelorarbeit Beispiel als Vorlage

Veröffentlicht am 26. April 2018 von Franziska Pfeiffer . Aktualisiert am 16. Oktober 2023 von Lea Genau.

Ein Abstract (auch Zusammenfassung oder Management-Summary genannt) ist ein Text, der kurz und knapp die wichtigsten Punkte deiner Bachelorarbeit wiedergibt.

Er soll die Fragestellung , Methoden , Quellen und Ergebnisse zusammenfassen, damit die Lesenden schnell die Relevanz der Bachelorarbeit für ihr Interessensgebiet beurteilen können.

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Das gehört in deinen abstract, so schreibst du den abstract, unterschiede zwischen abstract, einleitung und fazit, abstract schreiben auf englisch, häufig gestellte fragen.

Der Abstract gibt einen kurzen Überblick über deine komplette Bachelorarbeit und sollte die folgenden Fragen beantworten:

• Worum geht es?

Wie bist du vorgegangen?

Was sind deine wichtigsten ergebnisse.

• Was bedeuten deine Ergebnisse?

Nenne die Zielsetzung , die Problemstellung und die Forschungsfragen . Wenn deiner Abschlussarbeit bestimmte Hypothesen zugrunde liegen , erwähne diese auch.

Du umreißt kurz die Methoden , mit denen du die Daten für deine Bachelorarbeit gesammelt hast.

Zähle die wichtigsten Ergebnisse deiner Forschung auf und erkläre, zu welchem Fazit du gekommen bist.

Nenne die relevantesten Eckpunkte aus der fachlichen Diskussion und lege deine Empfehlungen dar.

Abstract Beispiel

Unternehmen verfolgen zunehmend das Ziel, Marketingkampagnen zur Vermarktung ihrer Produkte einzusetzen. Um online einen wachsenden Umsatz zu generieren, greifen sie insbesondere auf Social-Media-Kanäle zurück. Daher ist es notwendig zu verstehen, wie solche Marketingkampagnen konzipiert sind und wie sie funktionieren.

Das Ziel in der vorliegenden Arbeit ist es zu beantworten, durch welche Kriterien eine Marketingkampagne in Social Media erfolgreich verläuft. Dazu wird die folgende Forschungsfrage gestellt: Wie kann eine erfolgreiche Marketingkampagne für Onlinefotodruckunternehmen auf Social Media geplant werden?[/scribbr-annotation]

Um die Forschungsfrage zu beantworten, wurde eine quantitative Studie zu aktuellen Druckgeschäftsanzeigen und deren Wirkung durchgeführt. Spezifisch wurde in der Studie auf Anzeigen aus den Social-Media-Kanälen Twitter, Facebook und Instagram Bezug genommen. Es wurde untersucht, welche Kriterien bei einer Anzeige erfüllt sein müssen, damit diese bei den Nutzern erfolgreich ist. In der quantitativen Studie waren den Teilnehmenden geschlossene Fragen auf einer Skala von 1 bis 10 gestellt worden, die im Anschluss ausgewertet wurden. Dabei wurden drei Altersklassen berücksichtigt: 15–29-Jährige, 30–45-Jährige und alle Teilnehmenden ab 45 Jahren wurden in je eine Gruppe unterteilt.

Die Antworten auf die Fragebogen zeigen, dass die Altersgruppe von 30–45 Jahren und jene darüber im Durchschnitt am häufigsten auf die Anzeigen von Onlinefotodruckunternehmen reagieren. Diese Anzeigen sind in erster Linie auf Twitter und Facebook erfolgreich, weil diese Plattformen von Personen in dieser Altersklasse am häufigsten genutzt werden. Jüngere Menschen hingegen, die vorwiegend Instagram verwenden, reagieren seltener auf die Anzeigen von Online-Fotodruckunternehmen. Eine Social-Media-Kampagne bietet sich für Online-Fotodruckunternehmen also insbesondere auf Twitter und Facebook mit der Fokussierung auf die Altersgruppe ab 30 Jahren an.

Weiterführende Forschung im Bereich des Marketings für den Onlinefotodruck könnte auf Anzeigenwerbung von Suchmaschinen ausgerichtet sein.

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Zu deiner Korrektur

Schreibe den Abstract am besten ganz am Schluss deiner Bachelorarbeit . So kannst du eine extrem kompakte Zusammenfassung deiner zentralen Thesen und Ergebnisse wiedergeben.

Beim Schreiben deines Abstracts solltest du dich an folgenden Regeln orientieren:

• Nutze Hilfsmittel wie unser Tool zum Text zusammenfassen , um einen ersten Entwurf zu erstellen.
• Beschränke dich auf eine Länge von max. einer halben bis einer Seite bzw. 150–250 Wörtern.
• Benutzte kurze und knappe Beschreibungen, um deine zentralen Thesen und Ergebnisse zusammenzufassen.
• Verfasse den Abstract in den richtigen Zeitformen .
• Nimm keinen Bezug auf Literatur und verwende keine Zitate.
• Verzichte auf jegliche subjektiven Bewertungen oder Rechtfertigungen.
• Benutze keine Abkürzungen .

Tipps zum Kürzen deines Abstracts

Um sicherzustellen, dass dein Abstract die vorgeschriebene Maximallänge nicht überschreitet, sind ein paar Tricks hilfreich.

Kürze deinen Abstract, indem du …

• … umständliche Schachtelsätze vermeidest.
• … auf Wiederholungen verzichtest.
• … Aktivsätze formulierst.

Mehr zum Abstract kürzen

Manchmal bekommst du beim Schreiben des Abstracts das Gefühl, lediglich die Einleitung oder das Fazit der Bachelorarbeit zu wiederholen.

Der Abstract baut auf Einleitung und Fazit auf, deshalb sind die drei sich ziemlich ähnlich. Wie sich der Abstract nichtsdestotrotz von deinem Fazit und deiner Einleitung unterscheidet, siehst du hier:

Unterschiede zwischen Abstract, Einleitung und Fazit:

Um deine Abschlussarbeit auch international zugänglich zu machen, fordern Unis häufig zusätzlich einen englischen Abstract. Hierzu kannst du deinen deutschen Abstract übersetzen.

• Problemstellung
• Forschungsfrage / Hypothesen
• Forschungsmethode

Nichtsdestotrotz gibt es einige sprachliche Aspekte, in denen sich das akademische Schreiben auf Englisch vom Deutschen unterscheidet. Hier findest du einen kleinen Überblick zu den Unterschieden  und dazu, was du beim englischen Sprachgebrauch beachten musst.

Wusstest du schon, dass ...

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Unsere Sprachexperten verbessern vor Abgabe deiner Abschlussarbeit den akademischen Ausdruck, die Interpunktion und sprachliche Fehler.

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Checkliste: Abstract schreiben

Der Abstract ist maximal eine halbe A4-Seite lang.

Der Abstract steht zu Beginn deiner Bachelorarbeit bzw. Masterarbeit.

Der Abstract wird konsistent in der korrekten Zeitform verfasst.

Die wichtigsten Elemente deiner Bachelorarbeit werden zusammengefasst.

Der Abstract macht auch für Lesende ohne Vorkenntnisse deutlich, wovon die Bachelorarbeit handelt.

Das Abstract deiner Abschlussarbeit ist nun komplett! Nutze noch die anderen Checklisten, um deine Abschlussarbeit zu verbessern.

Der Abstract ist ein einseitiger Text, der das Thema deiner Abschlussarbeit kurz und knapp zusammenfasst. So bekommen Lesende einen Eindruck davon, was sie in deiner Arbeit erwartet.

Beim Schreiben deines Abstracts solltest du darauf achten, einen kompakten Abriss über deine Bachelorarbeit zu liefern. Dies gelingt am besten, wenn du den Abstract ganz am Schluss verfasst.

In deinem Abstract solltest du folgende Fragen beantworten:

• Wie wurde vorgegangen?
• Was sind die wichtigsten Ergebnisse?

Der Abstract sollte maximal eine halbe Seite bzw. 150–250 Wörter lang sein.

Der Abstract steht in deiner Bachelorarbeit meist zwischen dem Deckblatt und dem Inhaltsverzeichnis. Wenn deine Arbeit ein Vorwort enthält, steht es nach dem Abstract.

Je nach Vorgabe der jeweiligen Hochschule kann der Abstract hinter dem Inhaltsverzeichnis platziert werden

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Pfeiffer, F. (2023, 16. Oktober). Abstract schreiben + Bachelorarbeit Beispiel als Vorlage. Scribbr. Abgerufen am 9. November 2023, von https://www.scribbr.de/aufbau-und-gliederung/abstract-schreiben/

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Das hat anderen studierenden noch gefallen, abstract beispiel für eine bachelorarbeit oder masterarbeit, eine hervorragende einleitung für eine bachelorarbeit schreiben, das fazit einer bachelorarbeit schreiben, aus versehen plagiiert finde kostenlos heraus.

Writing an Abstract for Your Research Paper

Definition and Purpose of Abstracts

An abstract is a short summary of your (published or unpublished) research paper, usually about a paragraph (c. 6-7 sentences, 150-250 words) long. A well-written abstract serves multiple purposes:

• an abstract lets readers get the gist or essence of your paper or article quickly, in order to decide whether to read the full paper;
• an abstract prepares readers to follow the detailed information, analyses, and arguments in your full paper;
• and, later, an abstract helps readers remember key points from your paper.

It’s also worth remembering that search engines and bibliographic databases use abstracts, as well as the title, to identify key terms for indexing your published paper. So what you include in your abstract and in your title are crucial for helping other researchers find your paper or article.

If you are writing an abstract for a course paper, your professor may give you specific guidelines for what to include and how to organize your abstract. Similarly, academic journals often have specific requirements for abstracts. So in addition to following the advice on this page, you should be sure to look for and follow any guidelines from the course or journal you’re writing for.

The Contents of an Abstract

Abstracts contain most of the following kinds of information in brief form. The body of your paper will, of course, develop and explain these ideas much more fully. As you will see in the samples below, the proportion of your abstract that you devote to each kind of information—and the sequence of that information—will vary, depending on the nature and genre of the paper that you are summarizing in your abstract. And in some cases, some of this information is implied, rather than stated explicitly. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , which is widely used in the social sciences, gives specific guidelines for what to include in the abstract for different kinds of papers—for empirical studies, literature reviews or meta-analyses, theoretical papers, methodological papers, and case studies.

Here are the typical kinds of information found in most abstracts:

• the context or background information for your research; the general topic under study; the specific topic of your research
• the central questions or statement of the problem your research addresses
• what’s already known about this question, what previous research has done or shown
• the main reason(s) , the exigency, the rationale , the goals for your research—Why is it important to address these questions? Are you, for example, examining a new topic? Why is that topic worth examining? Are you filling a gap in previous research? Applying new methods to take a fresh look at existing ideas or data? Resolving a dispute within the literature in your field? . . .
• your research and/or analytical methods
• your main findings , results , or arguments
• the significance or implications of your findings or arguments.

Your abstract should be intelligible on its own, without a reader’s having to read your entire paper. And in an abstract, you usually do not cite references—most of your abstract will describe what you have studied in your research and what you have found and what you argue in your paper. In the body of your paper, you will cite the specific literature that informs your research.

When to Write Your Abstract

Although you might be tempted to write your abstract first because it will appear as the very first part of your paper, it’s a good idea to wait to write your abstract until after you’ve drafted your full paper, so that you know what you’re summarizing.

What follows are some sample abstracts in published papers or articles, all written by faculty at UW-Madison who come from a variety of disciplines. We have annotated these samples to help you see the work that these authors are doing within their abstracts.

Choosing Verb Tenses within Your Abstract

The social science sample (Sample 1) below uses the present tense to describe general facts and interpretations that have been and are currently true, including the prevailing explanation for the social phenomenon under study. That abstract also uses the present tense to describe the methods, the findings, the arguments, and the implications of the findings from their new research study. The authors use the past tense to describe previous research.

The humanities sample (Sample 2) below uses the past tense to describe completed events in the past (the texts created in the pulp fiction industry in the 1970s and 80s) and uses the present tense to describe what is happening in those texts, to explain the significance or meaning of those texts, and to describe the arguments presented in the article.

The science samples (Samples 3 and 4) below use the past tense to describe what previous research studies have done and the research the authors have conducted, the methods they have followed, and what they have found. In their rationale or justification for their research (what remains to be done), they use the present tense. They also use the present tense to introduce their study (in Sample 3, “Here we report . . .”) and to explain the significance of their study (In Sample 3, This reprogramming . . . “provides a scalable cell source for. . .”).

Sample Abstract 1

From the social sciences.

Reporting new findings about the reasons for increasing economic homogamy among spouses

Gonalons-Pons, Pilar, and Christine R. Schwartz. “Trends in Economic Homogamy: Changes in Assortative Mating or the Division of Labor in Marriage?” Demography , vol. 54, no. 3, 2017, pp. 985-1005.

Sample Abstract 2

From the humanities.

Analyzing underground pulp fiction publications in Tanzania, this article makes an argument about the cultural significance of those publications

Emily Callaci. “Street Textuality: Socialism, Masculinity, and Urban Belonging in Tanzania’s Pulp Fiction Publishing Industry, 1975-1985.” Comparative Studies in Society and History , vol. 59, no. 1, 2017, pp. 183-210.

Sample Abstract/Summary 3

From the sciences.

Reporting a new method for reprogramming adult mouse fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells

Lalit, Pratik A., Max R. Salick, Daryl O. Nelson, Jayne M. Squirrell, Christina M. Shafer, Neel G. Patel, Imaan Saeed, Eric G. Schmuck, Yogananda S. Markandeya, Rachel Wong, Martin R. Lea, Kevin W. Eliceiri, Timothy A. Hacker, Wendy C. Crone, Michael Kyba, Daniel J. Garry, Ron Stewart, James A. Thomson, Karen M. Downs, Gary E. Lyons, and Timothy J. Kamp. “Lineage Reprogramming of Fibroblasts into Proliferative Induced Cardiac Progenitor Cells by Defined Factors.” Cell Stem Cell , vol. 18, 2016, pp. 354-367.

Sample Abstract 4, a Structured Abstract

Reporting results about the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis, from a rigorously controlled study

Note: This journal requires authors to organize their abstract into four specific sections, with strict word limits. Because the headings for this structured abstract are self-explanatory, we have chosen not to add annotations to this sample abstract.

Wald, Ellen R., David Nash, and Jens Eickhoff. “Effectiveness of Amoxicillin/Clavulanate Potassium in the Treatment of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children.” Pediatrics , vol. 124, no. 1, 2009, pp. 9-15.

“OBJECTIVE: The role of antibiotic therapy in managing acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in children is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of high-dose amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate in the treatment of children diagnosed with ABS.

METHODS : This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Children 1 to 10 years of age with a clinical presentation compatible with ABS were eligible for participation. Patients were stratified according to age (<6 or ≥6 years) and clinical severity and randomly assigned to receive either amoxicillin (90 mg/kg) with potassium clavulanate (6.4 mg/kg) or placebo. A symptom survey was performed on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, and 30. Patients were examined on day 14. Children’s conditions were rated as cured, improved, or failed according to scoring rules.

RESULTS: Two thousand one hundred thirty-five children with respiratory complaints were screened for enrollment; 139 (6.5%) had ABS. Fifty-eight patients were enrolled, and 56 were randomly assigned. The mean age was 6630 months. Fifty (89%) patients presented with persistent symptoms, and 6 (11%) presented with nonpersistent symptoms. In 24 (43%) children, the illness was classified as mild, whereas in the remaining 32 (57%) children it was severe. Of the 28 children who received the antibiotic, 14 (50%) were cured, 4 (14%) were improved, 4(14%) experienced treatment failure, and 6 (21%) withdrew. Of the 28children who received placebo, 4 (14%) were cured, 5 (18%) improved, and 19 (68%) experienced treatment failure. Children receiving the antibiotic were more likely to be cured (50% vs 14%) and less likely to have treatment failure (14% vs 68%) than children receiving the placebo.

CONCLUSIONS : ABS is a common complication of viral upper respiratory infections. Amoxicillin/potassium clavulanate results in significantly more cures and fewer failures than placebo, according to parental report of time to resolution.” (9)

Some Excellent Advice about Writing Abstracts for Basic Science Research Papers, by Professor Adriano Aguzzi from the Institute of Neuropathology at the University of Zurich:

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• How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples

How to Write an Abstract | Steps & Examples

Published on 1 March 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 10 October 2022 by Eoghan Ryan.

An abstract is a short summary of a longer work (such as a dissertation or research paper ). The abstract concisely reports the aims and outcomes of your research, so that readers know exactly what your paper is about.

Although the structure may vary slightly depending on your discipline, your abstract should describe the purpose of your work, the methods you’ve used, and the conclusions you’ve drawn.

One common way to structure your abstract is to use the IMRaD structure. This stands for:

• Introduction

Abstracts are usually around 100–300 words, but there’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check the relevant requirements.

In a dissertation or thesis , include the abstract on a separate page, after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

Table of contents

Abstract example, when to write an abstract, step 1: introduction, step 2: methods, step 3: results, step 4: discussion, tips for writing an abstract, frequently asked questions about abstracts.

Hover over the different parts of the abstract to see how it is constructed.

This paper examines the role of silent movies as a mode of shared experience in the UK during the early twentieth century. At this time, high immigration rates resulted in a significant percentage of non-English-speaking citizens. These immigrants faced numerous economic and social obstacles, including exclusion from public entertainment and modes of discourse (newspapers, theater, radio).

Incorporating evidence from reviews, personal correspondence, and diaries, this study demonstrates that silent films were an affordable and inclusive source of entertainment. It argues for the accessible economic and representational nature of early cinema. These concerns are particularly evident in the low price of admission and in the democratic nature of the actors’ exaggerated gestures, which allowed the plots and action to be easily grasped by a diverse audience despite language barriers.

Keywords: silent movies, immigration, public discourse, entertainment, early cinema, language barriers.

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You will almost always have to include an abstract when:

• Completing a thesis or dissertation
• Submitting a research paper to an academic journal
• Writing a book proposal
• Applying for research grants

It’s easiest to write your abstract last, because it’s a summary of the work you’ve already done. Your abstract should:

• Be a self-contained text, not an excerpt from your paper
• Be fully understandable on its own
• Reflect the structure of your larger work

Start 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. If your abstract uses specialised terms that would be unfamiliar to the average academic reader or that have various different meanings, give a concise definition.

After identifying the problem, state the objective of your research. Use verbs like “investigate,” “test,” “analyse,” 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.

• This study will investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.
• This study investigates the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.

Next, indicate the research methods that you used to answer your question. This part should be a straightforward 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.

• Structured interviews will be conducted with 25 participants.
• Structured interviews were conducted with 25 participants.

Don’t evaluate validity or obstacles here — the goal is not to give an account of the methodology’s strengths and weaknesses, but to give the reader a quick insight into the overall approach and procedures you used.

Next, summarise the main research results . This part of the abstract can be in the present or past simple tense.

• Our analysis has shown a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
• Our analysis shows a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
• Our analysis showed a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.

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, you should discuss the main conclusions of your research : 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.

• We concluded that coffee consumption increases productivity.
• We conclude that coffee consumption increases productivity.

If there are important limitations to your research (for example, related to your sample size or methods), you should mention them briefly in the abstract. This allows the reader to accurately assess the credibility and generalisability of your research.

If your aim was to solve a practical problem, your discussion might include recommendations for implementation. If relevant, you can briefly make suggestions for further research.

If your paper will be published, you might have to add a list of keywords at the end of the abstract. These keywords should reference the most important elements of the research to help potential readers find your paper during their own literature searches.

Be aware that some publication manuals, such as APA Style , have specific formatting requirements for these keywords.

It can be a real challenge to condense your whole work into just a couple of hundred words, but the abstract will be the first (and sometimes only) part that people read, so it’s important to get it right. These strategies can help you get started.

Read other abstracts

The best way to learn the conventions of writing an abstract in your discipline is to read other people’s. You probably already read lots of journal article abstracts while conducting your literature review —try using them as a framework for structure and style.

You can also find lots of dissertation abstract examples in thesis and dissertation databases .

Reverse outline

Not all abstracts will contain precisely the same elements. For longer works, you can write your abstract through a process of reverse outlining.

For each chapter or section, list keywords and draft one to two sentences that summarise the central point or argument. This will give you a framework of your abstract’s structure. Next, revise the sentences to make connections and show how the argument develops.

Write clearly and concisely

A good abstract is short but impactful, so make sure every word counts. Each sentence should clearly communicate one main point.

To keep your abstract or summary short and clear:

• Avoid passive sentences: Passive constructions are often unnecessarily long. You can easily make them shorter and clearer by using the active voice.
• Avoid long sentences: Substitute longer expressions for concise expressions or single words (e.g., “In order to” for “To”).
• Avoid obscure jargon: The abstract should be understandable to readers who are not familiar with your topic.
• Avoid repetition and filler words: Replace nouns with pronouns when possible and eliminate unnecessary words.
• Avoid detailed descriptions: An abstract is not expected to provide detailed definitions, background information, or discussions of other scholars’ work. Instead, include this information in the body of your thesis or paper.

If you’re struggling to edit down to the required length, you can get help from expert editors with Scribbr’s professional proofreading services .

Check your formatting

If you are writing a thesis or dissertation or submitting to a journal, there are often specific formatting requirements for the abstract—make sure to check the guidelines and format your work correctly. For APA research papers you can follow the APA abstract format .

Checklist: Abstract

The word count is within the required length, or a maximum of one page.

The abstract appears after the title page and acknowledgements and before the table of contents .

I have clearly stated my research problem and objectives.

I have briefly described my methodology .

I have summarized the most important results .

I have stated my main conclusions .

I have mentioned any important limitations and recommendations.

The abstract can be understood by someone without prior knowledge of the topic.

You've written a great abstract! Use the other checklists to continue improving your thesis or dissertation.

An abstract is a concise summary of an academic text (such as a journal article or dissertation ). It serves two main purposes:

• To help potential readers determine the relevance of your paper for their own research.
• To communicate your key findings to those who don’t have time to read the whole paper.

Abstracts are often indexed along with keywords on academic databases, so they make your work more easily findable. Since the abstract is the first thing any reader sees, it’s important that it clearly and accurately summarises the contents of your paper.

An abstract for a thesis or dissertation is usually around 150–300 words. There’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check your university’s requirements.

The abstract is the very last thing you write. You should only write it after your research is complete, so that you can accurately summarize the entirety of your thesis or paper.

Avoid citing sources in your abstract . There are two reasons for this:

• The abstract should focus on your original research, not on the work of others.
• The abstract should be self-contained and fully understandable without reference to other sources.

There are some circumstances where you might need to mention other sources in an abstract: for example, if your research responds directly to another study or focuses on the work of a single theorist. In general, though, don’t include citations unless absolutely necessary.

The abstract appears on its own page, after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

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The Dissertation Abstract: 101

How to write a clear & concise abstract (with examples).

By:   Madeline Fink (MSc) Reviewed By: Derek Jansen (MBA)   | June 2020

So, you’ve (finally) finished your thesis or dissertation or thesis. Now it’s time to write up your abstract (sometimes also called the executive summary). If you’re here, chances are you’re not quite sure what you need to cover in this section, or how to go about writing it. Fear not – we’ll explain it all in plain language , step by step , with clear examples .

Overview: The Dissertation/Thesis Abstract

• What exactly is a dissertation (or thesis) abstract
• What’s the purpose and function of the abstract
• Why is the abstract so important
• How to write a high-quality dissertation abstract
• Example/sample of a quality abstract
• Quick tips to write a high-quality dissertation abstract

What is an abstract?

Simply put, the abstract in a dissertation or thesis is a short (but well structured) summary that outlines the most important points of your research (i.e. the key takeaways). The abstract is usually 1 paragraph or about 300-500 words long (about one page), but but this can vary between universities.

A quick note regarding terminology – strictly speaking, an abstract and an executive summary are two different things when it comes to academic publications. Typically, an abstract only states what the research will be about, but doesn’t explore the findings – whereas an executive summary covers both . However, in the context of a dissertation or thesis, the abstract usually covers both, providing a summary of the full project.

In terms of content, a good dissertation abstract usually covers the following points:

• The purpose of the research (what’s it about and why’s that important)
• The methodology (how you carried out the research)
• The key research findings (what answers you found)
• The implications of these findings (what these answers mean)

We’ll explain each of these in more detail a little later in this post. Buckle up.

What’s the purpose of the abstract?

A dissertation abstract has two main functions:

The first purpose is to  inform potential readers  of the main idea of your research without them having to read your entire piece of work. Specifically, it needs to communicate what your research is about (what were you trying to find out) and what your findings were . When readers are deciding whether to read your dissertation or thesis, the abstract is the first part they’ll consider. 

The second purpose of the abstract is to  inform search engines and dissertation databases  as they index your dissertation or thesis. The keywords and phrases in your abstract (as well as your keyword list) will often be used by these search engines to categorize your work and make it accessible to users. 

Simply put, your abstract is your shopfront display window – it’s what passers-by (both human and digital) will look at before deciding to step inside. 

Why’s it so important?

The short answer – because most people don’t have time to read your full dissertation or thesis! Time is money, after all…

If you think back to when you undertook your literature review , you’ll quickly realise just how important abstracts are! Researchers reviewing the literature on any given topic face a mountain of reading, so they need to optimise their approach. A good dissertation abstract gives the reader a “TLDR” version of your work – it helps them decide whether to continue to read it in its entirety. So, your abstract, as your shopfront display window, needs to “sell” your research to time-poor readers.

You might be thinking, “but I don’t plan to publish my dissertation”. Even so, you still need to provide an impactful abstract for your markers. Your ability to concisely summarise your work is one of the things they’re assessing, so it’s vital to invest time and effort into crafting an enticing shop window.  

A good abstract also has an added purpose for grad students . As a freshly minted graduate, your dissertation or thesis is often your most significant professional accomplishment and highlights where your unique expertise lies. Potential employers who want to know about this expertise are likely to only read the abstract (as opposed to reading your entire document) – so it needs to be good!

Think about it this way – if your thesis or dissertation were a book, then the abstract would be the blurb on the back cover. For better or worse, readers will absolutely judge your book by its cover .

How to write your abstract

As we touched on earlier, your abstract should cover four important aspects of your research: the purpose , methodology , findings , and implications . Therefore, the structure of your dissertation or thesis abstract needs to reflect these four essentials, in the same order.  Let’s take a closer look at each of them, step by step:

Step 1: Describe the purpose and value of your research

Here you need to concisely explain the purpose and value of your research. In other words, you need to explain what your research set out to discover and why that’s important. When stating the purpose of research, you need to clearly discuss the following:

• What were your research aims and research questions ?
• Why were these aims and questions important?

It’s essential to make this section extremely clear, concise and convincing . As the opening section, this is where you’ll “hook” your reader (marker) in and get them interested in your project. If you don’t put in the effort here, you’ll likely lose their interest.

Step 2: Briefly outline your study’s methodology

In this part of your abstract, you need to very briefly explain how you went about answering your research questions . In other words, what research design and methodology you adopted in your research. Some important questions to address here include:

• Did you take a qualitative or quantitative approach ?
• Who/what did your sample consist of?
• How did you collect your data?
• How did you analyse your data?

Simply put, this section needs to address the “ how ” of your research. It doesn’t need to be lengthy (this is just a summary, after all), but it should clearly address the four questions above.

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Step 3: Present your key findings

Next, you need to briefly highlight the key findings . Your research likely produced a wealth of data and findings, so there may be a temptation to ramble here. However, this section is just about the key findings – in other words, the answers to the original questions that you set out to address.

Again, brevity and clarity are important here. You need to concisely present the most important findings for your reader.

Step 4: Describe the implications of your research

Have you ever found yourself reading through a large report, struggling to figure out what all the findings mean in terms of the bigger picture? Well, that’s the purpose of the implications section – to highlight the “so what?” of your research. 

In this part of your abstract, you should address the following questions:

• What is the impact of your research findings on the industry /field investigated? In other words, what’s the impact on the “real world”. 
• What is the impact of your findings on the existing body of knowledge ? For example, do they support the existing research?
• What might your findings mean for future research conducted on your topic?

If you include these four essential ingredients in your dissertation abstract, you’ll be on headed in a good direction.

Example: Dissertation/thesis abstract

Here is an example of an abstract from a master’s thesis, with the purpose , methods , findings , and implications colour coded.

The U.S. citizenship application process is a legal and symbolic journey shaped by many cultural processes. This research project aims to bring to light the experiences of immigrants and citizenship applicants living in Dallas, Texas, to promote a better understanding of Dallas’ increasingly diverse population. Additionally, the purpose of this project is to provide insights to a specific client, the office of Dallas Welcoming Communities and Immigrant Affairs, about Dallas’ lawful permanent residents who are eligible for citizenship and their reasons for pursuing citizenship status . The data for this project was collected through observation at various citizenship workshops and community events, as well as through semi-structured interviews with 14 U.S. citizenship applicants . Reasons for applying for U.S. citizenship discussed in this project include a desire for membership in U.S. society, access to better educational and economic opportunities, improved ease of travel and the desire to vote. Barriers to the citizenship process discussed in this project include the amount of time one must dedicate to the application, lack of clear knowledge about the process and the financial cost of the application. Other themes include the effects of capital on applicant’s experience with the citizenship process, symbolic meanings of citizenship, transnationalism and ideas of deserving and undeserving surrounding the issues of residency and U.S. citizenship. These findings indicate the need for educational resources and mentorship for Dallas-area residents applying for U.S. citizenship, as well as a need for local government programs that foster a sense of community among citizenship applicants and their neighbours.

Practical tips for writing your abstract

When crafting the abstract for your dissertation or thesis, the most powerful technique you can use is to try and put yourself in the shoes of a potential reader. Assume the reader is not an expert in the field, but is interested in the research area. In other words, write for the intelligent layman, not for the seasoned topic expert. 

Start by trying to answer the question “why should I read this dissertation?”

Remember the WWHS.

Make sure you include the  what , why ,  how , and  so what  of your research in your abstract:

• What you studied (who and where are included in this part)
• Why the topic was important
• How you designed your study (i.e. your research methodology)
• So what were the big findings and implications of your research

Keep it simple.

Use terminology appropriate to your field of study, but don’t overload your abstract with big words and jargon that cloud the meaning and make your writing difficult to digest. A good abstract should appeal to all levels of potential readers and should be a (relatively) easy read. Remember, you need to write for the intelligent layman.

Be specific.

When writing your abstract, clearly outline your most important findings and insights and don’t worry about “giving away” too much about your research – there’s no need to withhold information. This is the one way your abstract is not like a blurb on the back of a book – the reader should be able to clearly understand the key takeaways of your thesis or dissertation after reading the abstract. Of course, if they then want more detail, they need to step into the restaurant and try out the menu.

Psst… there’s more (for free)

This post is part of our dissertation mini-course, which covers everything you need to get started with your dissertation, thesis or research project. 

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How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation

Published by Owen Ingram at August 11th, 2021 , Revised On September 20, 2023

Dissertation Abstract – Definition

The abstract is regarded as the foremost component of a dissertation. It will be your first chance to set precise expectations for the supervisor, examiner or graduate committee members. An abstract for a dissertation is the first real significant narrative of your work and is placed at the beginning of the dissertation paper.

Presented in a shortened form, an abstract is a very brief overview of your research .

In this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know to write an abstract.  

According to the online archives of Simon Fraser University research database, “an abstract is not merely an introduction in the sense of a preface, preamble, or advance organizer that prepares the reader for the thesis. In addition to that function, it must be capable of substituting for the whole thesis when there are insufficient time and space for the full text. ”

Do I Need to Write an Abstract?

You will be required to include an abstract at the beginning of your paper if you are working on your thesis, dissertation, research paper, or publishing a paper in any academic journal.

Even though the abstract appears right at the start of a dissertation paper, it is generally written at last. For it is only after you have compiled all the evidence and data, interpreted every piece of finding, backed your interpretation(s) with enough theoretical evidence and answered your research questions, that you can sum it all up in 150-200 words. The general length of an abstract.

 The table of contents is the section that immediately follows an abstract. Here is a guide on how to create a table of contents for the dissertation .

Your abstract should be an  entirely autonomous and independent text and never be an extract taken from within the paper’s original content. This also implies, indirectly, that it is unethical in research contexts to copy-paste chunks from within your own research in an abstract.

In particular, an abstract aims to provide an overview of research aim and objectives, methods of research employed, results obtained, findings, most salient interpretation(s), the conclusion and implication(s) of your research. Readers should be able to completely understand all aspects of your research work just by reading your abstract.

Also Read : How to Write Dissertation Discussion Chapter , How to Write a Remarkable Dissertation?

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How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

A dissertation abstract serves as a deal maker or breaker when it comes to making a strong impression on your readers. Your dissertation abstract can either motivate your readers to continue reading or discourage them from  moving on to the next chapters .

The abstract of a dissertation needs to be conspicuous, meaningful, interesting and of course, informative. It should contain brief but relevant information from all chapters of your dissertation to provide a brief overview of the research that has been conducted. This would mean its:

• What (topic statement of your research)
• Who (the sample)
• Why (the significance/objectives/aims/questions/hypothesis of your research)
• Where (the background/setting of your research)
• And how (the research design/tools/methods/methodologies etc. of your research)

 Here, we have put together some guidelines for students to understand how to write an abstract for a dissertation to make a great first impression on readers.

Key Components of a Dissertation Abstract

The  key elements of a dissertation abstract are as follows:

• Background statement/problem statement/thesis statement
• Information regarding research sample
• Methods of research employed
• A brief description of the results obtained and their interpretation (only the most important one(s))
• A summary of conclusion, limitations and future recommendations/implications (only the most salient ones)

1. Background/Problem Statement/Aims and Objectives

The first couple of sentences of your dissertation abstract should provide a summary of the purpose of your research. This can be expressed as follows:

• Background statement – Provide a brief perspective on the theoretical and practical significance of your work.
• The problem statement clearly communicates to the readers why there was a need to research the chosen topic.
• Present an overview of the research’s aim and objectives to establish what your research intended to achieve.
• Thesis statement – what is the main idea of your dissertation paper? What are your claims in reference to the established research questions?

Avoid writing this part of the abstract in future tense because it refers to concluded actions.

• This study will investigate the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.
• This study investigates the relationship between coffee consumption and productivity.

Also read: How to Get Dissertation Deadline Extension – Some Practical Methods.

This one-to-two lined section will give information about who the sample in your study was; where they are located/residing, etc. The reasons for selecting that group of participants, for instance, is not relevant for mention in an abstract.

3. Research Methods

Briefly specify your  dissertation research methodology immediately after stating the purpose and sample of your dissertation paper. Here, you will be expected to summarise how you straightforwardly conducted your research.

Like the first section, a description of research  methods should also be written in the simple past tense. There is absolutely  no need to highlight the limitations and/or validity  of your research methods here.

The goal is to take the readers through the overall approach and process quickly.

4. Research Findings

Provide a brief overview of the major  findings of your dissertation study . If you think you undiscovered multiple major findings, only mention the ones that directly answer a research question or two that was/were part of your study to begin with. For instance, if you studied the relation between two variables and your findings indicate it’s a positive correlation, you simply state that finding, not the other, minor ones related to this specific one.

This section is the crux of your abstract, so make sure you demonstrate how your research addressed the research objectives.

Furthermore, due to the word limit (150-200) of the abstract and the complexity of your research, you might not be able to include all results here. If that is the case, have only the most significant results.

This portion should be written in the past simple or present tense. Here is an example:

• Analysis of the responses has shown that there is a strong correlation between consumption and productivity.
• Analysis of the responses shows there is a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.
• Analysis of the responses showed there was a strong correlation between coffee consumption and productivity.

5. Conclusion and Recommendation/Implication

Lastly, the  abstract of a dissertation  should  conclude your dissertation research . The conclusion should clearly report how your study addressed the research problem.

Use this part of the abstract to convince people how your research proved the argument or theory your research was built on and started off with.

Provide recommendations for practical implementation to clearly understand your audience how your work will solve the problem at hand.

Finally, do not forget to mention important research limitations briefly. For example, selecting a smaller sample size due to some constraints would be a limitation worth mentioning. This will add more weight and credibility to your research.

Make use of the present simple test when writing the conclusion.

Some institutions, however, dictate that you write one or two lines about the long- or short-term implications your research might have. This component would be the last one in an abstract, preceded by the conclusive statement.

Abstract keywords/phrases 

You might be asked to include important key terms and phrases at the end of the abstract, especially if your paper has been selected for publication in an academic journal.

These keywords help potential readers find your paper in search engines during their  desk-based research .

However, it should be noted that some academic journals have their own specific formatting requirements for keywords. It’s recommended that you read the requirements about keywords in their publication manuals to avoid any misunderstanding.

More on Abstract keywords

According to Hartley and Kostoff (2003), following are some different methods for supplying keywords for an abstract:

Researchers “supply them with no restrictions on the numbers allowed; supply up to a fixed number (e.g. six); supply key words as appropriate from a specified list; editors supplement/amend authors’ key words; editors supply key words; editors supply key words from a specified list; referees supply key words from a specified list; keywords are allocated according to the ‘house-rules’ applied to all journals; distributed by a specific publisher; keywords are determined by computer program at proof stage”.

Format of a Dissertation Abstract

The typical size of an abstract for a masters’ dissertation is 300-400 words whereas abstracts for undergraduate dissertation papers are 150-200 words in size.

Since their findings are generally more in number, abstracts for PhD-level dissertation papers are assigned 300-350 words. The dissertation abstract structure should be such that there are one or two sentences assigned to each chapter of the dissertation.

For example, if your dissertation paper has 5 chapters, there should be a minimum of 8-10 sentences in the abstract to provide a reflective summary of each chapter’s information.

As is the case  with the dissertation introduction chapter , you will be expected to specify the research questions clearly.

You might need to rearrange them and/or reduce the word count without missing out on any important element, considering there is room for only two to three research questions generally placed at the beginning of the abstract.

  Poor dissertation abstracts don’t present the findings of the research. It is important to recognize that the readers of your dissertation paper will be more interested in what findings you came up with as a result of your research and not merely what you did. Use at least 2 to 3 sentences for summarising the results and their interpretation.

Look for the formatting requirements in your dissertation handbook or writing guidelines provided by your school. Make sure to stay within the permissible word limit.  An abstract too long or too short will not serve the purpose.

Tips on How to Write the Abstract for Dissertation

Condensing your entire dissertation into just a few sentences can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time writing a dissertation abstract.

It is important to get your dissertation abstract right because this part of the dissertation paper is the first real piece of written description that your audience will read. You can even recall some of your own experiences where, due to shortage of time or many deadlines looming above your head, you had to skim and scam the abstract of a research article or journal paper you stumbled across. It probably gave you a good enough idea whether it was worth it to bookmark that paper to read fully later now, didn’t it?

That’s exactly the kind of effect your own abstract should have on its readers, too. It’s meant to give a holistic view of the entire research.

Here are some tips for you to make sure you write this part to the highest possible academic quality:

Also Read: Different Research Methods for Dissertation?

Tip #1: Avoid Citing Publications

Student researchers often get carried away with the research of professional researchers when writing an abstract. Avoid focusing on others’ work and demonstrate how your own research will substantially contribute to your area of study.

Depending on the allowable word limit for the abstract, you might be able to squeeze in a sentence or two about the scholarly background of the research problem you wish to address. Still, there is no need to cite any publications.

Tip #2: Be Concise and to-the-point

Your dissertation abstract should be attention-grabbing, even though you will have only a few hundred words to work with. So. it is crucial to communicate your research work in the most concise manner.  Never stuff your dissertation abstract with needless words and avoid vague verbiage that might put your readers off-track.

 Need help with writing a killer dissertation abstract? Our writers can write an abstract for a dissertation following your school’s guidelines. Or get help from our expert academics  with any part of your dissertation.

Tip # 3: Read Sample Abstracts

Learn the art of writing great dissertation abstract by reading abstract dissertation samples. It would make sense to look at how other people in your academic subject have written their abstracts.

If you have already conducted your  dissertation literature review , you might have already read many research paper abstracts – which you could use to get useful insights into how to format your dissertation abstract. Here is an abstract dissertation example to help you get started.

Tip #4: Coverage and Presentation

Remember, an abstract is one single paragraph. There are no breaks in it. It continues as a single body. Furthermore, it is written in a separate page. No other chapter or sub-headings etc. come before or after the abstract on the same page. There are also no headings – such as the topic of your research – above the title ‘Abstract’ on the abstract page. Simply give the heading of ‘Abstract’ and start it off from there. And last but not the least, another important thing to keep in mind is that abstract (pretty much like the rest of your thesis) will be double-spaced.

Tip #5: Language

Other researchers will look for key terms specific to your research field to figure out the purpose and nature of your dissertation paper. Make sure to include relevant terminology necessary for understanding your abstract and thereby determining what the research was about.

Tip #6: Shortening a Lengthy Abstract

It’s natural to sometimes get carried away while writing…even in academic writing. As Trochim and other writers state in their book, Research Methods: The Essential Knowledge Base , “In order to shorten your abstract, you should eliminate nonessential information wherever possible—this includes transitions phrases (e.g., ‘the results demonstrate . . .’).”

Example abstract

A review of groundwater remediation in use today shows that new techniques are required that solve the problems of the pump and treat, containment and in-situ treatment. One such technique is the method that involves the use of permeable treatment walls. These methods use a reactive medium such as iron to remediate contaminated groundwater. several methods of implementing this remediation strategy have been described. These methods include injection and trenching. The use of funnel and gate system via a trench has been examined in detail using a groundwater modelling option of the FLAC program. 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. The results showed that increasing the wall length, gate length, and permeability increases the size of the plume captured. An important factor in designing the walls is the residence time of the water in the gate or the contact time of contaminent with reactive media. A sensitivity analysis has been conducted that shows that increasing the size of the capture zone decreases the residence time, which will limit the design. The results of the modellingand sensitivity analysis are presented such that they can be used as an aid to the design of permeable treatment walls.

Still not sure how to write the abstract for a dissertation? Why not get one of our writers to help you with your dissertation abstract?

 Do you need help with writing any part of your dissertation paper? Research Prospect writers hold masters’ to PhD degrees from reputed UK institutions. So, rest assured that the writer we assign to your dissertation order will have the expertise and experience to complete your order according to your exact requirements.

Bad Abstract Example

Sometimes, it helps bring a concept home once you see what NOT to do in a certain process. The following is an example of a poorly written abstract. As a challenge to yourself, do you think you can point out the flaws in it after having learned everything mentioned above? Try it out; practice makes perfect, after all.

FAQs About a Dissertation Abstract

Can i use an excerpt from the paper as an abstract.

No, you should not. It is important for an abstract to be an entirely autonomous and independent text and never be an extract taken from within the paper’s original content. Write it in your own words, 

What is the purpose of an abstract?

The abstract of your dissertation provides a brief overview of the research conducted and the results obtained.

What should a dissertation abstract contain?

The abstract of your dissertation must give background information, mention the problem statement , research aims , and objectives, sample information, methods of research , the findings , conclusion and recommendations/implications.

Can I cite a reference in the abstract?

No, you must never cite any reference in the abstract.

You May Also Like

Dissertation Methodology is the crux of dissertation project. In this article, we will provide tips for you to write an amazing dissertation methodology.

Wish that you had more time to write your dissertation paper? Here are some practical tips for you to learn “How to get dissertation deadline extension”.

Make sure to develop a conceptual framework before conducting research. Here is all you need to know about what is a conceptual framework is in a dissertation?

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• How It Works

An abstract is a short summary that comes at the beginning of an academic paper, dissertation, or report. It summarises the whole paper, including the purpose of the research, methods, findings and conclusions. It is usually only a paragraph or two in length. It helps your readers decide whether the text is relevant to their needs and whether they want to spend time reading it. It is short, but it is worth taking time to make sure it captures the main points of your work.

Scroll down for our recommended strategies and resources. 

Look at other abstracts to see how they are structured and written. You can find examples in journal articles from your subject, or from this guide: 

How to write an abstract (Tufts University)

Write it last

Write your abstract last. It provides an overview of your whole text, so you can only write it after you have written everything else.

A quick way to structure your abstract is to take the main point from each section of your text e.g. introduction, methods, results, discussion and conclusion, then redraft it into a paragraph. Find out more from the guide with prompt questions to help you structure your abstract:

Structuring an abstract (University of Cape Town)

Business reports

If you’re writing a business report, your abstract may be called an ‘executive summary’. Find out more from our executive summary page:

Executive summary resources (Centre for Academic Development)

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Cookie statement

• Formatting Your Dissertation
• Introduction

Harvard Griffin GSAS strives to provide students with timely, accurate, and clear information. If you need help understanding a specific policy, please contact the office that administers that policy.

• Application for Degree
• Credit for Completed Graduate Work
• Ad Hoc Degree Programs
• Acknowledging the Work of Others
• Advanced Planning
• Dissertation Submission Checklist
• Publishing Options
• Submitting Your Dissertation
• English Language Proficiency
• PhD Program Requirements
• Secondary Fields
• Year of Graduate Study (G-Year)
• Master's Degrees
• Grade and Examination Requirements
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On this page:

Language of the Dissertation

Page and text requirements, body of text, tables, figures, and captions, dissertation acceptance certificate, copyright statement.

• Table of Contents

Front and Back Matter

Supplemental material, dissertations comprising previously published works, top ten formatting errors, further questions.

• Related Contacts and Forms

When preparing the dissertation for submission, students must follow strict formatting requirements. Any deviation from these requirements may lead to rejection of the dissertation and delay in the conferral of the degree.

The language of the dissertation is ordinarily English, although some departments whose subject matter involves foreign languages may accept a dissertation written in a language other than English.

Most dissertations are 100 to 300 pages in length. All dissertations should be divided into appropriate sections, and long dissertations may need chapters, main divisions, and subdivisions.

• 8½ x 11 inches, unless a musical score is included
• At least 1 inch for all margins
• Body of text: double spacing
• Block quotations, footnotes, and bibliographies: single spacing within each entry but double spacing between each entry
• Table of contents, list of tables, list of figures or illustrations, and lengthy tables: single spacing may be used

Fonts and Point Size

Use 10-12 point size. Fonts must be embedded in the PDF file to ensure all characters display correctly. 

Recommended Fonts

If you are unsure whether your chosen font will display correctly, use one of the following fonts: 

If fonts are not embedded, non-English characters may not appear as intended. Fonts embedded improperly will be published to DASH as-is. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that fonts are embedded properly prior to submission. 

Instructions for Embedding Fonts

To embed your fonts in recent versions of Word, follow these instructions from Microsoft:

• Click the File tab and then click Options .
• In the left column, select the Save tab.
• Clear the Do not embed common system fonts check box.

For reference, below are some instructions from ProQuest UMI for embedding fonts in older file formats:

To embed your fonts in Microsoft Word 2010:

• In the File pull-down menu click on Options .
• Choose Save on the left sidebar.
• Check the box next to Embed fonts in the file.
• Click the OK button.
• Save the document.

Note that when saving as a PDF, make sure to go to “more options” and save as “PDF/A compliant”

To embed your fonts in Microsoft Word 2007:

• Click the circular Office button in the upper left corner of Microsoft Word.
• A new window will display. In the bottom right corner select Word Options . 
• Choose Save from the left sidebar.

Using Microsoft Word on a Mac:

Microsoft Word 2008 on a Mac OS X computer will automatically embed your fonts while converting your document to a PDF file.

If you are converting to PDF using Acrobat Professional (instructions courtesy of the Graduate Thesis Office at Iowa State University):  

• Open your document in Microsoft Word. 
• Click on the Adobe PDF tab at the top. Select "Change Conversion Settings." 
• Click on Advanced Settings. 
• Click on the Fonts folder on the left side of the new window. In the lower box on the right, delete any fonts that appear in the "Never Embed" box. Then click "OK." 
• If prompted to save these new settings, save them as "Embed all fonts." 
• Now the Change Conversion Settings window should show "embed all fonts" in the Conversion Settings drop-down list and it should be selected. Click "OK" again. 
• Click on the Adobe PDF link at the top again. This time select Convert to Adobe PDF. Depending on the size of your document and the speed of your computer, this process can take 1-15 minutes. 
• After your document is converted, select the "File" tab at the top of the page. Then select "Document Properties." 
• Click on the "Fonts" tab. Carefully check all of your fonts. They should all show "(Embedded Subset)" after the font name. 
•  If you see "(Embedded Subset)" after all fonts, you have succeeded.

The font used in the body of the text must also be used in headers, page numbers, and footnotes. Exceptions are made only for tables and figures created with different software and inserted into the document.

Tables and figures must be placed as close as possible to their first mention in the text. They may be placed on a page with no text above or below, or they may be placed directly into the text. If a table or a figure is alone on a page (with no narrative), it should be centered within the margins on the page. Tables may take up more than one page as long as they obey all rules about margins. Tables and figures referred to in the text may not be placed at the end of the chapter or at the end of the dissertation.

• Given the standards of the discipline, dissertations in the Department of History of Art and Architecture and the Department of Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning often place illustrations at the end of the dissertation.

Figure and table numbering must be continuous throughout the dissertation or by chapter (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, etc.). Two figures or tables cannot be designated with the same number. If you have repeating images that you need to cite more than once, label them with their number and A, B, etc. 

Headings should be placed at the top of tables. While no specific rules for the format of table headings and figure captions are required, a consistent format must be used throughout the dissertation (contact your department for style manuals appropriate to the field).

Captions should appear at the bottom of any figures. If the figure takes up the entire page, the caption should be placed alone on the preceding page, centered vertically and horizontally within the margins.

Each page receives a separate page number. When a figure or table title is on a preceding page, the second and subsequent pages of the figure or table should say, for example, “Figure 5 (Continued).” In such an instance, the list of figures or tables will list the page number containing the title. The word “figure” should be written in full (not abbreviated), and the “F” should be capitalized (e.g., Figure 5). In instances where the caption continues on a second page, the “(Continued)” notation should appear on the second and any subsequent page. The figure/table and the caption are viewed as one entity and the numbering should show correlation between all pages. Each page must include a header.

Landscape orientation figures and tables must be positioned correctly and bound at the top so that the top of the figure or table will be at the left margin. Figure and table headings/captions are placed with the same orientation as the figure or table when on the same page. When on a separate page, headings/captions are always placed in portrait orientation, regardless of the orientation of the figure or table. Page numbers are always placed as if the figure were vertical on the page.

If a graphic artist does the figures, Harvard Griffin GSAS will accept lettering done by the artist only within the figure. Figures done with software are acceptable if the figures are clear and legible. Legends and titles done by the same process as the figures will be accepted if they too are clear, legible, and run at least 10 or 12 characters per inch. Otherwise, legends and captions should be printed with the same font used in the text.

Original illustrations, photographs, and fine arts prints may be scanned and included, centered between the margins on a page with no text above or below.

Use of Third-Party Content

In addition to the student's own writing, dissertations often contain third-party content or in-copyright content owned by parties other than you, the student who authored the dissertation. The Office for Scholarly Communication recommends consulting the information below about fair use, which allows individuals to use in-copyright content, on a limited basis and for specific purposes, without seeking permission from copyright holders.

Because your dissertation will be made available for online distribution through DASH , Harvard's open-access repository, it is important that any third-party content in it may be made available in this way.

Fair Use and Copyright 

What is fair use?

Fair use is a provision in copyright law that allows the use of a certain amount of copyrighted material without seeking permission. Fair use is format- and media-agnostic. This means fair use may apply to images (including photographs, illustrations, and paintings), quoting at length from literature, videos, and music regardless of the format. 

How do I determine whether my use of an image or other third-party content in my dissertation is fair use?  

There are four factors you will need to consider when making a fair use claim.

1) For what purpose is your work going to be used?

• Nonprofit, educational, scholarly, or research use favors fair use. Commercial, non-educational uses, often do not favor fair use.
• A transformative use (repurposing or recontextualizing the in-copyright material) favors fair use. Examining, analyzing, and explicating the material in a meaningful way, so as to enhance a reader's understanding, strengthens your fair use argument. In other words, can you make the point in the thesis without using, for instance, an in-copyright image? Is that image necessary to your dissertation? If not, perhaps, for copyright reasons, you should not include the image.  

2) What is the nature of the work to be used?

• Published, fact-based content favors fair use and includes scholarly analysis in published academic venues. 
• Creative works, including artistic images, are afforded more protection under copyright, and depending on your use in light of the other factors, may be less likely to favor fair use; however, this does not preclude considerations of fair use for creative content altogether.

3) How much of the work is going to be used?  

• Small, or less significant, amounts favor fair use. A good rule of thumb is to use only as much of the in-copyright content as necessary to serve your purpose. Can you use a thumbnail rather than a full-resolution image? Can you use a black-and-white photo instead of color? Can you quote select passages instead of including several pages of the content? These simple changes bolster your fair use of the material.

4) What potential effect on the market for that work may your use have?

• If there is a market for licensing this exact use or type of educational material, then this weighs against fair use. If however, there would likely be no effect on the potential commercial market, or if it is not possible to obtain permission to use the work, then this favors fair use. 

For further assistance with fair use, consult the Office for Scholarly Communication's guide, Fair Use: Made for the Harvard Community and the Office of the General Counsel's Copyright and Fair Use: A Guide for the Harvard Community .

What are my options if I don’t have a strong fair use claim? 

Consider the following options if you find you cannot reasonably make a fair use claim for the content you wish to incorporate:

• Seek permission from the copyright holder. 
• Use openly licensed content as an alternative to the original third-party content you intended to use. Openly-licensed content grants permission up-front for reuse of in-copyright content, provided your use meets the terms of the open license.
• Use content in the public domain, as this content is not in-copyright and is therefore free of all copyright restrictions. Whereas third-party content is owned by parties other than you, no one owns content in the public domain; everyone, therefore, has the right to use it.

For use of images in your dissertation, please consult this guide to Finding Public Domain & Creative Commons Media , which is a great resource for finding images without copyright restrictions. 

Who can help me with questions about copyright and fair use?

Contact your Copyright First Responder . Please note, Copyright First Responders assist with questions concerning copyright and fair use, but do not assist with the process of obtaining permission from copyright holders.

Pages should be assigned a number except for the Dissertation Acceptance Certificate . Preliminary pages (abstract, table of contents, list of tables, graphs, illustrations, and preface) should use small Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, v, etc.). All pages must contain text or images.  

Count the title page as page i and the copyright page as page ii, but do not print page numbers on either page .

For the body of text, use Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) starting with page 1 on the first page of text. Page numbers must be centered throughout the manuscript at the top or bottom. Every numbered page must be consecutively ordered, including tables, graphs, illustrations, and bibliography/index (if included); letter suffixes (such as 10a, 10b, etc.) are not allowed. It is customary not to have a page number on the page containing a chapter heading.

• Check pagination carefully. Account for all pages.

A copy of the Dissertation Acceptance Certificate (DAC) should appear as the first page. This page should not be counted or numbered. The DAC will appear in the online version of the published dissertation. The author name and date on the DAC and title page should be the same. 

The dissertation begins with the title page; the title should be as concise as possible and should provide an accurate description of the dissertation. The author name and date on the DAC and title page should be the same. 

• Do not print a page number on the title page. It is understood to be page  i  for counting purposes only.

A copyright notice should appear on a separate page immediately following the title page and include the copyright symbol ©, the year of first publication of the work, and the name of the author:

© [ year ] [ Author’s Name ] All rights reserved.

Alternatively, students may choose to license their work openly under a  Creative Commons  license. The author remains the copyright holder while at the same time granting up-front permission to others to read, share, and (depending on the license) adapt the work, so long as proper attribution is given. (By default, under copyright law, the author reserves all rights; under a Creative Commons license, the author reserves some rights.)

• Do  not  print a page number on the copyright page. It is understood to be page  ii  for counting purposes only.

An abstract, numbered as page  iii , should immediately follow the copyright page and should state the problem, describe the methods and procedures used, and give the main results or conclusions of the research. The abstract will appear in the online and bound versions of the dissertation and will be published by ProQuest. There is no maximum word count for the abstract. 

• double-spaced
• left-justified
• indented on the first line of each paragraph
• The author’s name, right justified
• The words “Dissertation Advisor:” followed by the advisor’s name, left-justified (a maximum of two advisors is allowed)
• Title of the dissertation, centered, several lines below author and advisor

Dissertations divided into sections must contain a table of contents that lists, at minimum, the major headings in the following order:

• Front Matter
• Body of Text
• Back Matter

Front matter includes (if applicable):

• acknowledgements of help or encouragement from individuals or institutions
• a dedication
• a list of illustrations or tables
• a glossary of terms
• one or more epigraphs.

Back matter includes (if applicable):

• bibliography
• supplemental materials, including figures and tables
• an index (in rare instances).

Supplemental figures and tables must be placed at the end of the dissertation in an appendix, not within or at the end of a chapter. If additional digital information (including audio, video, image, or datasets) will accompany the main body of the dissertation, it should be uploaded as a supplemental file through ProQuest ETD . Supplemental material will be available in DASH and ProQuest and preserved digitally in the Harvard University Archives.

As a matter of copyright, dissertations comprising the student's previously published works must be authorized for distribution from DASH. The guidelines in this section pertain to any previously published material that requires permission from publishers or other rightsholders before it may be distributed from DASH. Please note:

• Authors whose publishing agreements grant the publisher exclusive rights to display, distribute, and create derivative works will need to seek the publisher's permission for nonexclusive use of the underlying works before the dissertation may be distributed from DASH.
• Authors whose publishing agreements indicate the authors have retained the relevant nonexclusive rights to the original materials for display, distribution, and the creation of derivative works may distribute the dissertation as a whole from DASH without need for further permissions.

It is recommended that authors consult their publishing agreements directly to determine whether and to what extent they may have transferred exclusive rights under copyright. The Office for Scholarly Communication (OSC) is available to help the author determine whether she has retained the necessary rights or requires permission. Please note, however, the Office of Scholarly Communication is not able to assist with the permissions process itself.

• Missing Dissertation Acceptance Certificate.  The first page of the PDF dissertation file should be a scanned copy of the Dissertation Acceptance Certificate (DAC). This page should not be counted or numbered as a part of the dissertation pagination.
• Conflicts Between the DAC and the Title Page.  The DAC and the dissertation title page must match exactly, meaning that the author name and the title on the title page must match that on the DAC. If you use your full middle name or just an initial on one document, it must be the same on the other document.  
• Abstract Formatting Errors. The advisor name should be left-justified, and the author's name should be right-justified. Up to two advisor names are allowed. The Abstract should be double spaced and include the page title “Abstract,” as well as the page number “iii.” There is no maximum word count for the abstract. 
•  The front matter should be numbered using Roman numerals (iii, iv, v, …). The title page and the copyright page should be counted but not numbered. The first printed page number should appear on the Abstract page (iii). 
• The body of the dissertation should be numbered using Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, …). The first page of the body of the text should begin with page 1. Pagination may not continue from the front matter. 
• All page numbers should be centered either at the top or the bottom of the page.
• Figures and tables Figures and tables must be placed within the text, as close to their first mention as possible. Figures and tables that span more than one page must be labeled on each page. Any second and subsequent page of the figure/table must include the “(Continued)” notation. This applies to figure captions as well as images. Each page of a figure/table must be accounted for and appropriately labeled. All figures/tables must have a unique number. They may not repeat within the dissertation.
• Any figures/tables placed in a horizontal orientation must be placed with the top of the figure/ table on the left-hand side. The top of the figure/table should be aligned with the spine of the dissertation when it is bound. 
• Page numbers must be placed in the same location on all pages of the dissertation, centered, at the bottom or top of the page. Page numbers may not appear under the table/ figure.
• Supplemental Figures and Tables. Supplemental figures and tables must be placed at the back of the dissertation in an appendix. They should not be placed at the back of the chapter. 
• Permission Letters Copyright. permission letters must be uploaded as a supplemental file, titled ‘do_not_publish_permission_letters,” within the dissertation submission tool.
•  DAC Attachment. The signed Dissertation Acceptance Certificate must additionally be uploaded as a document in the "Administrative Documents" section when submitting in Proquest ETD . Dissertation submission is not complete until all documents have been received and accepted.
• Overall Formatting. The entire document should be checked after all revisions, and before submitting online, to spot any inconsistencies or PDF conversion glitches.
• You can view dissertations successfully published from your department in DASH . This is a great place to check for specific formatting and area-specific conventions.
• Contact the  Office of Student Affairs  with further questions.

CONTACT INFO

Student affairs, explore events.

Abstract schreiben

Du fragst dich, was ein Abstract ist und wie du ein gutes Abstract schreibst? Alles zum Thema Abstract Bachelorarbeit und Abstract Masterarbeit erfährst du in diesem Beitrag und in unserem Video .

Abstract schreiben – einfach erklärt

Abstract schreiben – beispiel, abstract schreiben – englische zusammenfassung, abstract schreiben – dos und don’ts, unterschied: abstract, einleitung und fazit, abstract schreiben – häufigste fragen, exposé schreiben.

In einem Abstract fasst du kurz und knapp zusammen, was in deiner Bachelorarbeit, Masterarbeit oder Dissertation wichtig ist. Dieser Überblickstext zeigt deiner Leserschaft schnell, ob dein Thema für sie interessant ist und ob sie deine ganze Arbeit lesen möchten.   Das Abstract befindet sich vor dem Inhaltsverzeichnis , deshalb ist es auch kein eigener Gliederungspunkt.

Ein gelungenes Abstract beinhaltet folgende Punkte:

• die Fragestellung und generelle Zielsetzung deiner Abschlussarbeit
• Hypothesen und verwendete Methoden
• erzielte  Ergebnisse  

Das Abstract sollte nicht zu ausführlich oder ausschmückend werden, sondern die Inhalte kurz und prägnant darstellen. Der Umfang umfasst ungefähr eine halbe Seite bzw. 150 bis 300 Worte.

Im Abstract sieht deine Leserschaft deine gesamte Abschlussarbeit auf einen Blick. Du zeigst, welches Thema du erforscht hast. Zusätzlich präsentierst du, zu welchen Ergebnissen du gekommen bist.

Folgende Inhalte solltest du beim Abstract schreiben einbringen:

Wie du siehst, übernimmst du hier größtenteils den Aufbau deiner Abschlussarbeit. Fasse dich im Abstract aber wesentlich kürzer . Stelle jeden dieser Punkte in wenigen Sätzen dar. Trotzdem verwendest du Zitate und Paraphrasen , um deine Aussagen zu bekräftigen.

Erkundige dich vor dem Abstract Schreiben für deine Bachelor- oder Masterarbeit über bestimmte Vorgaben deiner Uni!

Abstract schreiben – Position

Üblicherweise stellst du das Abstract an den Anfang deiner Abschlussarbeit. Schließlich ist es ein Überblick für deine Leserschaft. So sieht sie auf einen Blick, ob es sich für sie lohnt, deine gesamte Arbeit zu lesen. Verwechsle das Abstract nicht mit der Einleitung. Diese ist eher dafür da, das Interesse der Leserschaft zu wecken.

Tipp: Auch du kannst dir diese Funktion des Abstracts zu Nutze machen. In deiner Recherche z. B. für deine Bachelorarbeit können dir Abstracts helfen, schnell festzustellen, ob eine Quelle für dein Thema brauchbar ist. So kannst du viel Zeit sparen!

Verfasse das Abstract erst, wenn du deine Abschlussarbeit fertig geschrieben hast. Schließlich kannst du deine Inhalte nur dann zusammenfassen, wenn deine Arbeit komplett ist.

Abstract schreiben – Umfang

Abstracts sind Kurzzusammenfassungen . Inhalte deiner Bachelorarbeit oder Masterarbeit reduzierst du beim Abstract schreiben also auf eine geringere Wortanzahl. Üblicherweise hast du dafür etwa 150 bis 300 Worte . Das entspricht ungefähr einer halben Seite. 

Hast du zu viel geschrieben, gibt es verschiedene Wege, effektiv zu kürzen . Beachte dabei folgende Dinge: 

• Verwende keine Schachtelsätze.
• Wiederhole dich nicht zu oft.
• Benutze nicht zu viele Passivsätze.

Tipp: Lese dein Abstract nicht nur selbst Korrektur, sondern frage auch deine Kommilitonen nach Feedback . Da sie deine Arbeit nicht so gut kennen wie du, werden ihnen unverständliche Sätze schneller auffallen.

Hier findest du ein Abstract Beispiel einer Bachelor- oder Masterarbeit aus dem Studienfach Anglistik.

Ruf dir für einen besseren Überblick noch einmal die Leitfragen ins Gedächtnis:

• Worum geht es in deiner Abschlussarbeit?
• Wie sieht deine Vorgehensweise aus?
• Was konntest du herausfinden?
• Was bedeuten deine Ergebnisse?

Die vorliegende Abschlussarbeit beschäftigt sich mit Geschlechterrollen in Shakespeares Theaterstücken. Dazu wurde die Forschungsfrage untersucht, ob Frauen und Männer in der  stereotypischen Klischees dargestellt werden. Die Arbeit reiht sich damit in die Forschungstradition der feministischen Literaturanalyse ein.

Um die Forschungsfrage zu beantworten, wurden die Hauptfiguren aus den Werken „A Midsummer Night’s Dream“ und „Macbeth“ miteinander verglichen. Besonderer Fokus wurde auf die Charakterisierung der weiblichen und männlichen Hauptrollen gelegt sowie auf deren Interaktionen. Als theoretischer Hintergrund wurden Geschlechtermodelle aus dem Elisabethanischen Zeitalter und modernere Gender-Theorien herangezogen.

Die Analyse zeigt, dass Shakespeare an vielen Stellen gängige Klischees umdreht und sie somit hinterfragt. So sind in „Macbeth“ periodentypisch männliche Attribute wie Ehrgeiz und Grausamkeit Lady Macbeth zugeschrieben. Dagegen verkörpert Macbeth selbst das Konzept der weiblichen Leichtgläubigkeit. In „A Midsummer Night’s Dream“ werden die Geschlechter-Hierarchien der Liebenden und der Feen im direkten Vergleich gegenübergestellt. Die Feen, welche sich nicht an patriarchischen Strukturen orientieren, werden als glücklichere Lebensform dargestellt.

Anhand der vorliegenden Ergebnisse können neue Erkenntnisse zu Shakespeares Verhältnis zur Gender-Thematik gewonnen werden. So spiegeln diese Charaktere Shakespeares eine scheinbar progressive Sichtweise auf das Konzept von Gender wider.

An vielen Unis ist es üblich, ein zusätzliches Abstract auf Englisch zu verfassen. Das ist vor allem der Fall, wenn deine Arbeit veröffentlicht wird. So verstehen auch internationale Leser und Leserinnen, worum es in deiner Arbeit geht.

Achte bei der Übersetzung deines Abstracts unbedingt auf Fachtermini sowie auf eine richtige Grammatik und Rechtschreibung.

Wichtig: Verfasst du deine Abschlussarbeit auf Englisch, verlangen viele Unis eine Kurzzusammenfassung auf Deutsch.

Schau dir die wichtigsten Dos und Don’ts für ein gelungenes Abstract einer wissenschaftlichen Arbeit an:

Abstracts enthalten Elemente, die du durchaus auch in der Einleitung  oder im Fazit deiner Abschlussarbeit geschrieben hast. Tatsächlich bieten beide Kapitel die Basis für dein Abstract. Natürlich darfst du sie aber nicht einfach kopieren, denn sie unterscheiden sich inhaltlich voneinander.

Die wichtigsten Unterschiede siehst du hier auf einen Blick:

• Was ist ein Abstract? Ein Abstract ist eine 150-300 Wörter lange Inhaltsangabe deiner Abschlussarbeit.
• Warum schreibe ich ein Abstract? Ein Abstract bietet Lesern einen schnellen Überblick deiner Arbeit. Es enthält alle Informationen, um entscheiden zu können, ob sie die ganze Arbeit lesen wollen.
• Wie schreibt man ein Abstract? Schreibe in dein Abstract, was das Thema deiner Abschlussarbeit ist, wie du vorgegangen bist, was du herausgefunden hast und warum diese Ergebnisse wichtig sind.
• Wo steht das Abstract in der Abschlussarbeit? Stelle dein Abstract an den Anfang deiner Arbeit, direkt nach dem Deckblatt.

Wie du für deine Bachelorarbeit oder Masterarbeit ein Abstract schreiben kannst, weißt du jetzt. Noch bevor du deine Abschlussarbeit beginnst, musst du deine Ideen und Vorstellungen in einem sogenannten Exposé zusammenfassen. Alles, was in dieses wissenschaftliche Dokument gehört, erfährst du hier !

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Dissertation Writing

Dissertation Abstract

Dissertation Abstract Writing - A Quick Guide

Published on: Nov 5, 2019

Last updated on: Nov 6, 2023

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Many students face challenges when it comes to writing an effective dissertation abstract. They often struggle to condense their extensive research into a concise yet informative summary.

A well-crafted abstract can draw readers in, provide a clear overview of your work, and leave a lasting impression. On the other hand, a poorly written abstract may deter potential readers, making it imperative to get it right.

In this blog, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a dissertation abstract that not only meets the necessary academic standards but also captivates your audience. 

With expert insights and step-by-step instructions, you'll gain the skills and knowledge needed to create an abstract that stands out.

Let's dive into the art of crafting a winning dissertation abstract.

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What Exactly is a Dissertation Abstract?

A dissertation abstract is a concise summary that provides a snapshot of your entire dissertation . 

It's a crucial component, typically found at the beginning of your dissertation, and serves as a teaser or trailer for your research. Think of it as the first impression your work makes on your readers.

In essence, the abstract is your opportunity to convey the essence of your study in a succinct and engaging manner. It should cover the main objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions of your research. While it might seem like a mere formality, it plays a pivotal role in the academic world and beyond.

Purpose of a Dissertation Abstract

The dissertation abstract has a distinct purpose, serving several vital roles in the academic and research world:

• Snapshot of Your Work

It acts as a concise snapshot of your entire dissertation, giving readers a quick overview of your research. This is especially useful for busy academics and researchers who want to evaluate the relevance of your work to their own studies.

• Discoverability

A well-crafted abstract includes keywords and phrases relevant to your research, making your work more discoverable in academic databases and search engines..

• Clarity and Conciseness

It challenges you to communicate your research effectively in a limited word count. This exercise encourages you to distill complex ideas into simple, clear language, promoting a deeper understanding of your work.

• Decision-Making Tool

For those deciding whether to read your full dissertation, the abstract plays a critical role. It helps readers determine if your research aligns with their interests and needs, saving them time and guiding their choices.

• Academic Significance

In academic and research circles, the abstract can act as a standalone work. Researchers often use abstracts to quickly assess the value and relevance of a study before committing to reading the entire paper.

• Professional Applications

Beyond the academic world, a dissertation abstract can also have professional implications. Potential employers and organizations often use them to assess a candidate's research abilities, critical thinking, and the potential for future contributions.

Dissertation Abstract Structure

The structure of a dissertation abstract is a critical aspect of creating an effective summary of your research. 

A well-structured abstract ensures that your readers can quickly grasp the key elements of your study. Here's a typical structure to follow:

• Introduction
• Objective or Hypothesis
• Methodology
• Key Findings
• Conclusions and Implications

Remember that while your abstract should be structured, conciseness is the key. It's a challenge to convey all of this information effectively within a limited word count. 

Each section should be using clear and straightforward language. Aim to give readers a sense of what your dissertation is about without overwhelming them with details.

How Long Should a Dissertation Abstract Be?

The ideal length of a dissertation abstract can vary depending on institutional guidelines, but a typical abstract should be concise and to the point. 

It's often recommended to keep it within the range of 150 to 300 words. While some institutions might allow slightly longer abstracts, it's crucial to remain as concise as possible. 

The goal is to provide a comprehensive summary of your research while being mindful of the limited word count. 

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How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

Writing an abstract is an art that requires precision and conciseness. To create an abstract that engages readers and accurately represents your research, follow these guidelines for each section:

1. Introduce the Research Problem

Begin with a compelling introduction that clearly states the research problem or question your dissertation addresses. 

Provide context by briefly explaining the background of the study and why it's important. The introduction should draw readers in and make them want to learn more.

2.  State the Main Objective or Hypothesis

After the introduction, present the main objective or hypothesis of your research. This should be a clear and specific statement of what you intended to achieve in your study. 

This section sets the stage for what readers can expect in terms of the study's focus.

3.  Describe Your Research Methods

Provide a concise description of the research methods you used. Mention whether your research employed qualitative , quantitative , or mixed methods. 

Briefly explain the data collection techniques, sampling methods, and any analytical tools or software used. Keep it informative while being succinct so readers understand your approach.

For instance , if your thesis abstract involved surveys and data analysis, you could say:

4. Summarize Key Findings

Summarize the most significant findings of your research. Focus on the main results, trends, or discoveries that emerged from your study. 

Use quantitative data, statistics, or qualitative insights, as appropriate, to support your findings. Highlight the key takeaways that contribute to your field of study.

For example , your thesis or dissertation revealed a concerning trend, you could state: 

5.  Conclude and Discuss Implications

Conclude your abstract by summarizing the conclusions you drew from your research. Discuss the broader implications of your findings and their significance.

Answer the "so what" question – explain why your research matters, both academically and practically.

6.  Include Relevant Keywords

Include a list of relevant keywords or phrases. These are crucial for ensuring your work is discoverable in academic databases and search engines. 

Choose terms commonly used in your field and reflect the main themes of your research.

Take a look at this dissertation abstract example for a more comprehensive understanding

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Dissertation Abstract Sample

The best way to understand how to write a great dissertation abstract is to look at some examples. These dissertation examples will help you understand how a good abstract is constructed.

Law Dissertation Abstract Example

Dissertation Abstract Humanities

Thesis Dissertation Abstract

Tips for Writing an Effective Dissertation Abstract

Crafting a compelling dissertation abstract is essential to grab the attention of your target audience and provide a clear overview of your research. 

Here are some valuable tips to ensure your abstract is effective:

• Clarity and Brevity : Keep your dissertation or thesis abstract clear and concise. Avoid jargon or overly technical language. 
• Focus on Key Information : Highlight the most significant aspects of your research questions. Readers should grasp the main points and relevance of your work quickly.
• Stay within Word Limit : Adhere to the word limit specified by your institution or guidelines. Typically, abstracts are limited to 150-300 words.
• Be Accurate and Honest : Ensure that your abstract accurately represents your research. Don't make exaggerated claims or overstate your findings.
• Edit and Proofread : Carefully proofread your abstract for grammar and spelling errors. A well-edited abstract demonstrates professionalism.
• Consider Your Audience : Keep in mind your target audience, whether it's academic peers, potential employers, or a general readership. Tailor your abstract to their level of understanding.
• Write in the Past Tense: Abstracts typically use past tense when referring to your research, as it has already been completed.
• Seek Feedback : Before finalizing your abstract, get feedback from peers, advisors, or writing experts. Their insights can help refine your content.

In conclusion, the dissertation abstract serves as a powerful gateway in the world of academia. It's the gateway to your research, the lens through which your work is viewed by others. 

By following a structured approach, focusing on key elements, and adhering to word limits, you can write a dissertation abstract that stands out.

Ready to create an outstanding dissertation abstract that leaves a lasting impression? Get in touch with our dissertation writing service for expert guidance.

Our online paper writing service has a team of highly qualified writers for all subjects. We can assist you at every step, from formulating a research question to writing a draft and ensuring accurate formatting and citations. 

Simply reach out to us and get excellent custom dissertation writing help!

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How to Write a Concise Dissertation Abstract

27 Dec 2022

Quick Navigation

❓What Is the Dissertation Abstract?

📋Abstract: Size and Structure

✏️Practical Tips on How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation

📕What Makes a Good Abstract?

📑Perfect Abstract Example

You may be wondering why you even need to bother writing the abstract in your dissertation. Among all the other elements in the assignment, what role does the abstract play and how to create a perfect one?

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What is the Dissertation Abstract?

An abstract is a concise summarization of all identified and important points in the academic paper. It can be 300 to 500 words long, which can take up an entire page! However, some universities may prefer an abstract that is shorter. The purpose of an abstract is to state what the research paper is all about contrary to the findings and executive summary.

Having said that, the abstract format consists of the aim of the research, methodology, findings, and implications of the findings. Since it covers all of these points, the reader doesn’t have to go through the entire paper to understand what the topic is about.

Professors will look at the abstracts first. If they like them, they will proceed with reading the entire research paper!

Abstract: Size and Structure

Honestly speaking, there are plenty of things that must be shortened and summarized while writing a dissertation abstract. For that reason, your professor may tell you to divide the different parts of the dissertation outline and organize them before getting them on paper!

Therefore, note down these points in proper order:

Your reason to research this issue.

What is the crucial issue?

Summarize how you conducted the research.

Your research findings.

Mention the solutions that you have found.

Challenges and limitations faced during the research.

You may also want to reserve a separate page for the abstract. The sentences must be double-spaced as well. If you are still struggling with the structure of research abstracts, dissertation writers are the way to go to get some help from. They’re professionals in this area, and they can surely help.

Besides, a PhD student must invest 200 to 300 words into the abstracts in order to get the approval of their professors. In most cases, your professor will provide all the information regarding how to write a dissertation abstract. But it doesn’t hurt to study some internet content for more information!

When it comes to the structure of the abstract, it should mirror what you discussed in the entire thesis. So, don’t forget to mention all the chapters in the paper in the abstract including a small summary of each.

Practical Tips on How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation

We can all use some useful tips to come up with the best abstracts for our research paper. Having said that, here are some useful tips that you can follow if you are serious about how to write an abstract!

Begin with Why and What

Remember that this is a research paper. You must study and find problems in particular dissertation topics , conduct thorough research, and provide solutions. For that reason, always start writing with Why and What questions. However, don’t go into details here. You can save the details for some other time.

Showcase What You Found

To master the art of writing an abstract, you must present the findings of your research to the reader. You will find many solutions, but only use the ones that are relevant and gives you credibility. Depending on the topic of the literature, don’t forget to add some calculations and statistics for better grades!

Spend Time Reviewing Every Sentence

No matter how many points you gather for your academic paper, you don’t have to include all of them. What you are writing must be relevant to the topic, and it must be able to produce useful findings.

Keeping this in mind, you must go through each and every sentence many times for originality and relevance. Whenever you read your work, you may feel like making adjustments here and there to bring out the best version!

Maintain Consistency

Needless to say, a requirement of any university assignment is to maintain consistency. This is especially true when you are writing a dissertation . Since you are dealing with different data and analytics, you have to make sure that the whole project remains centered.

Avoid Repeating

Now, this factor can vary based on the subject. But in most cases, professors allow some repetition on the paper. You may have to repeat the questions to reach a new conclusion about the research. But avoid verbosity.

What Makes a Good Abstract?

If you are trying to learn how to write an abstract for a dissertation, you need to make sure that you produce a good one. It must be structured, present accurate terminology to the reader, and use proper methods as assigned by the professor.

An abstract is an important part of your thesis, no matter how you look at it. When an external examiner reads, he automatically gets informed about how the rest of the assignment will flow. If we’ve learned one thing from experience, writing a perfect dissertation requires that you give your professor a positive first impression.

Make sure that you understand the content of the paper and present them in a concise manner for the reader. Naturally, your thesis will contain several chapters, and they must all be mentioned in the abstract.

One of the reasons for the abstract is that it can highlight your findings from the research topic. You need to back up the claims that you made in the paper as well. Usually, you should leave the last section of the abstract to summarize and interpret your findings.

Besides, we encourage you to write it at the end of your work because you have to provide a concise summary of what you know. Therefore, it must be a self-contained text which must be understandable on its own.

Some professors may give you some qualitative dissertation help , so make sure you take notes of that. It also helps to study other abstracts written by other people. Don’t copy anything directly but take some hints, that’s all!

Perfect Abstract Example

Here is an example of how to write a dissertation abstract for the purpose of review and clarity for your next thesis paper. It doesn’t matter how long it will take to get this together, just do your best, and that should be enough!

Understand how the structure has been constructed and create write the best research paper. If not, get in touch with the customer support of PapersOwl today, so they can create it for you! Having said that, here is an example:

In modern days, demand and competition dominate the corporate atmosphere. By allowing autonomy among employees, organizations can see high-quality performance and motivation in the team while ensuring the well-being and a proper work-life balance. This research employs an analysis of ‘autonomy-thwarting’ and ‘autonomy-supporting’ motivational techniques. In fact, this research was conducted for the next generation of workers in society. Findings include participants in an autonomy-supportive condition possess a greater intrinsic motivation to carry out their tasks and are also able to present superior performance skills. These types of behavior are not seen in a controlling motivational style. Moreover, this research paper also uncovered that there is more to motivation and that understanding the quality of motivation can help in various areas of your life. To end, this paper can also demonstrate that autonomy can be influenced to achieve better results in motivation, performance, and business success.

Custom dissertation writing services can provide you with the invaluable help and support you need to write a successful dissertation abstract. They can provide you with expert advice and guidance and even help you craft a comprehensive and well-written abstract. With their assistance, you can be sure of producing a dissertation abstract that meets the highest standards.

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How To Write A Great Dissertation Abstract

Table of Contents

• 1. What is a dissertation abstract?
• 2. Dissertation abstract sample
• 3. How to write a dissertation abstract
• 3.1. Objective and research problem of the dissertation
• 3.2. Research methods
• 3.3. Results of the study
• 3.4. Conclusion to the study
• 4. Tips for writing a dissertation abstract
• 5. Dissertation abstract checklist

Definition Of A Dissertation Abstract

A dissertation abstract is a crucial part of this complex type of academic paper. Coming at the start of the dissertation, an abstract is a short description (call it summary) of your work that helps to get the reader up to speed on the aim and outcome of the study.

Although the abstract is located at the beginning of the dissertation, you should write it at the very end so that you have the entire report to summarize. So, here are the main things that you need to include in an abstract.

• Dissertation objective and research problem
• Research methods
• Study results

In most cases, the abstract in dissertation is pretty short, about 150-300 words. However, different universities have varying limitations on length, so check the guideline from your department.

Dissertation Abstract Sample

Osho, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was a significant spiritual leader of the late 20th century. His teachings relied heavily on Buddhism, but were an amalgam of belief systems, philosophy, and spiritual practice. Osho wrote prolifically and focused on assisting his followers in attaining enlightenment through various means, including meditation and physical movement such as spontaneous dance.

Introduction

When writing an abstract, you start by providing a clear purpose of your study. Here, you need to be as precise as possible and answer the questions: What exact practical and or theoretical problem does your study address? What research questions did you want to answer?

Although he died in 1990, his teachings live on, and his followers can be found world-wide, and at his ashram or university located at Pune, India. Osho endured some negative publicity concerning his ashram in the United States, but was never shown to be complicit in any wrong-doing.

Research problem

When working on the research problem, it is prudent to appreciate that the research problem comes in Chapter One of the dissertation, right? Therefore, you should craft the abstract as the last item on your dissertation. This means that you will have already formulated the questions, answered them, and made realignments where necessary. With the problem clear, you also need to use the right tenses. Think of the reader as a person you are guiding in the journey through the dissertation. As such, you should ensure that the abstract is done in past or simple tenses. Because the study is already completed, you should not refer to the future.

His teachings have endured, and in addition to providing spiritual uplifting, can be used in the context of encouraging emotional and mental stability. This study will review original writings of Osho, using Chaudhuri’s writings about depression, suffering and death as a framework. Its intent is to provide both academic information and practical guidance.

Once you have presented the aims of the study, you should move on to highlight the methods briefly. The goal is to show the reader what research methods were used to answer the study questions. Try to make this part straightforward because most of the details will be provided in the Methods Chapter. Again, the part is also written in the simple past tense. • Wrong: Observations will be conducted on …. • Right: Observations were done on the …. Note that at this point, you should not start analyzing the validity of the study. Simply offer a quick view of the approach and procedures that were used. After the methods, you should also briefly outline the results that you got during the study. This implies that by the time a reader is through with the abstract, he should be able to know the objectives, study methods, and results. Again, the results should be presented in the past simple or present tense. Note that it might not be possible to capture all the results if your study was very complex or long. So, what should you do in such a situation? Make sure to highlight the most important parts of the results.

Data will be collected using qualitative methods of transcendental phenomenology, combined with content analysis, and subjectively reviewed through participatory epistemology.

Use of tenses

Your abstract, as shown here, should tell the reader what study methods were used during the study. Remember that the study has already been done, therefore, you are reporting, so, you should use past or present tenses.

This study will add to the literature concerning Osho’s many works, with the practical application regarding depression and other emotional issues underlying the review.

Because the abstract is an independent part, it should be complete, which means that it should also have a concluding part. In this part, you should highlight what the conclusion of your – research was. Simply put – what was the answer to the study question of the study? Make sure to present the conclusion in the present simple tense. If there were important limitations that impacted the study findings, ensure to include them here too.

Keywords: Osho, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, Meditation, Enlightenment, Depression, Spirituality

Finally, list the major keywords to be addressed in the further study.

How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

Once done with the dissertation, the abstract should be on its own page, immediately after the dissertation title page, and acknowledgements, but prior to the table of content. So, how do you write an abstract?

To craft a winning abstract, you should start by defining the study purpose. So, tell the reader about the theoretical or practical problem that the study is responding to. Also, indicate the research questions that the study seeks to answer.

Note that when writing the abstract, you can either use past or present tense. See the two examples below, showing two things: how not to write it, and how to write it.

The next item on writing an abstract for a dissertation is indicating the research methods that you used. Indeed, you should make this as straightforward as possible. Note that you should not go into details of analyzing the validity of the study or obstacles. See the examples below:

When it comes to the results, you need to summarize them. You can do this part in the past simple tense or present tense. See the example below:

This is the last section of your dissertation abstract. Here, you need to provide a direct answer to the research question in your study. The goal is to ensure that the reader will clearly understand the core argument in the study. Note that conclusions in abstracts are done in past participle.

If your dissertation will be published, your department might require that you provide a list of keywords at the bottom of the abstract. The keywords reference the most crucial elements of the study to help readers to easily navigate through your paper to search for specific details.

You might want to check other top dissertations to understand how to write a winning dissertation abstract.

Pro Tips for Writing Abstract for Dissertation

At this point, we must indicate that summarizing a whole dissertation using a few paragraphs is not a simple task. But because the abstract is the first thing that readers get when reading your dissertations, it is very important that you get it right. So, here are some useful tips to guide you.

• The abstract of a dissertation should give a summary of the entire dissertation. So, consider summarizing every section of the dissertation, and putting the summaries together to form the abstract.
• Read other dissertation abstract examples to learn how other writers did their abstracts. Take a keen interest in how another top writer summarized his work in the abstract example dissertation. Then, try to make a better abstract for your dissertation.
• Make sure to write concisely. A great abstract should be short and to the point. Therefore, you need to ensure that every word you use when writing a dissertation counts.
• Strictly follow the guidelines provided by your department. In most universities, the guidelines for writing dissertations are provided by individual departments. So, make sure that you understand these formatting guidelines and strictly follow them.
• Work with your supervisor. When writing your dissertation, it is important to involve your supervisor at every stage. Having supervised other dissertations, your supervisor will be able to tell you if you are on the right track or not. If he/she recommends that you make changes, stick to the recommendations.

Dissertation Abstract Checklist

In addition to the above tips and guide, use the checklist below to ensure your dissertation abstract has all the required components. You might also want to check how a different dissertation abstract example brought out the components in the checklist.

Abstract Checklist

Seek help from professional dissertation writers.

The abstract is one of the most important parts of a dissertation because it helps to introduce the whole argument in the dissertation to the reader. Therefore, you have to get it right. Using our guide and expert tips, you can now get started with crafting a winning dissertation abstract. But even with the guide and a good dissertation abstract example, many students still find it a challenge. Well, do not get stuck or stressed about writing a dissertation abstract because help is only a click away. Seek help from professional dissertation writers.

Expert thesis writers have a deep understanding of what is an abstract in a dissertation, and vast experience in similar works. Whether it is your dissertation which was complicated, time is limited, or feel worn out after the lengthy writing process, professional help is all that you need. Well, why risk getting it wrong when expert writing help is easily available?

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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.

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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!

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Glad you think so. Good luck with the writing.

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How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

Last Updated: March 6, 2020 References

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 23,121 times.

An abstract is a small summary of a larger paper. A dissertation is a long research paper with an original argument that you must write to graduate with a Master’s degree or doctorate. An abstract helps give your reader a map of your paper before he or she reads it. It also helps researchers to know if your paper will be helpful to them before they expend time reading it. Therefore, you should try to write as clear an abstract as possible, in simple and concise language.

Including the Necessary Information

• Start with your main thesis at the top.
• Next, read each section of your paper. As you read, write a one-sentence summary of each major chapter or section. Keep them in order on your paper. Regardless of your discipline, take time to point out the key theorists in the discipline you’ll be exploring in your paper.
• Include a summary of your conclusions, as well.
• If you’re writing an abstract for a scientific dissertation, it’s not necessary to include all of your literature review; however, you might include a sentence on how your paper fits into the larger academic discussion.

• Discuss how your research fits into the larger academic discussion.
• Talk about your methodology.
• Include your conclusions.
• Take time to discuss how it could lead to further research.

• Include any major works you’re analyzing. In other words, provide a short discussion of the source material, whether it’s the diaries of a famous historical figure for a history dissertation, a work of literature, a piece of music, or a great work of art.
• Discuss the major theories you’re applying to make your argument.
• Cover your main argument.
• Talk about your conclusions.

• Include any methodology you used to conduct research.
• Provide an overview of any studies you conducted, including participants and the purpose of the study.
• Discuss major theories that you are using for analyzing your work, as well as how your research fits into the larger discussion. Remember to keep it brief.
• Don’t forget to discuss your conclusions, as well as how your research could lead to further research.

• Include major theories you are using to analyze your research.
• Talk about your research methods, especially if you are collecting data.
• Provide specifics if you are looking at a particular company or analyzing a particular model.
• Discuss your overall conclusions.

Writing Your Abstract

• The name of the article you have written.
• Publication information, if there is any.

• Remember, you’re just trying to give your reader an overview of your dissertation, not every detail.

• You should also include the sentence about your conclusion.

• Remember, you are not just summarizing your individual thoughts in your abstract, you are recreating the argument you make in your paper in a shortened form.

• For instance, if you’re an archaeologist, you need to reference your primary materials.
• If you’re a librarian, you should talk about the methods you’ve used to collect your research.
• If you’re a psychologist, talk about the way you conducted your study.

• Only include information that is in the paper; do not bring new ideas into the abstract.

• The way you implement your research in science includes methodology (how you carried out your experiment), but in a humanities paper, you’ll likely be talking about the theories you applied in your research (such as applying Foucault’s theories to a book like Wuthering Heights).

Expert Q&A

• If you wrote a scientific, sociological, or psychological dissertation (or any other type of dissertation requiring field research), be sure to include information on your methodology. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• If you’re writing an abstract on a literature paper, be sure to include the major works you’re reviewing. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• You can use some technical language if it is a technical paper. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_abstract.shtml
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/abstracts/
• ↑ http://libguides.usc.edu/content.php?pid=83009&sid=621164
• ↑ http://librarybissell.act.edu/content.php?pid=136789&sid=1171531
• ↑ http://users.ece.cmu.edu/~koopman/essays/abstract.html
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/656/01/

About this article

To write a dissertation abstract, start with a condensed version of your thesis that's no more than 1 sentence long. Then, include sentences about the methodology you used for your research and any major points or theories you analyzed. You should also include a sentence about the conclusions you drew based on your research. In general, try to keep your dissertation abstract between 100 and 200 words. To learn how to use an outline of your dissertation to write your abstract, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Abstract einer Arbeit schreiben

Marcus fiebig, schreibwerkstatt der uni lüneburg.

Hier erfahren Sie, wie Sie einfach und Schritt für Schritt Ihren Abstract entwickeln. Ein Abstract ist ein kurzer Abriss und eine knappe Inhaltsangabe. Gerade ungeduldige Leser lesen gerne den Abstract, um zu entscheiden, ob sich ein tiefer gehendes Lesen wirklich lohnt.

Wichtig beim Abstract ist …

Der Abstract soll den Leser informieren und möglichst neugierig darauf machen, was in der Bachelorarbeit, Masterarbeit, dem Konferenzvortrag oder in dem Beitrag zum Sammelband zu erwarten ist. Sinnvoll ist es dabei, explizit die Lesergruppen anzusprechen, für die der Text besonders geeignet ist. Der Abstract ist v. a. bei Master- und Bachelorarbeiten sprachlich nüchtern und sachlich zu halten. Den Leser interessieren v. a. folgende Fragen:

Was sind die wichtigsten Ergebnisse? Welche Methodik wurde wie angewendet? Was sind die wichtigsten Schlussfolgerungen usw.?

So können Sie beim Schreiben starten

Wenn Sie mit den Zielen der Arbeit starten und danach etwas zur Theorie oder Untersuchungsmethode schreiben, ergibt sich meist ein guter Start. Zwei Beispiele dazu:

Abstract Beispiel 1:

Das Ziel der vorliegenden Bachelorarbeit war es, die wichtigsten theoretischen Konzepte (Müller 2007; Meyer 2012; Schulz 2015) zum kreativen Schreiben theoretisch zu vergleichen und empirisch zu überprüfen. Dazu wurden zehn Studierende in qualitativen Interviews befragt. Die Ergebnisse bestätigen zum großen Teil die Annahmen bei Müller, Meyer und Schulz. Folgende Schlussfolgerungen gehen jedoch nach der Auswertung der Interviews über die theoretischen Annahmen hinaus: A, B, C … Die Bachelorarbeit ist sowohl für Studierende im Lehramt Deutsch als auch für Lehrende im Bereich Schreibdidaktik interessant.  

Abstract Beispiel 2:

Die vorliegende Masterarbeit gibt einen Überblick über die Bedingungen und Auswirkungen von Produktionsketten am Beispiel der Firma Apple. Dabei wurde die Funktionsweise der Produktionsstätten in Südostasien organisationspsychologisch untersucht. Danach wurden diese Erkenntnisse mit anderen Smartphone-Herstellern verglichen und Handlungsempfehlungen aus Arbeitnehmer- und Arbeitgebersicht entwickelt. Die Basis der Masterarbeit sind Experteninterviews in Deutschland sowie die Studien von Beyer (2014), Johnson (2012) und Wenig-Li (2015) zu den Arbeitsbedingungen in Shanghai. Der Autor erhofft sich dadurch einen interdisziplinären Erkenntnisgewinn.

Der Abstract – häufig gibt es Vorgaben

Bevor Sie mit dem Schreiben loslegen, vergewissern Sie sich, ob es Vorgaben gibt. So darf bei Bachelorarbeiten und Masterarbeiten der Abstract üblicherweise höchstens eine halbe DIN-A4-Seite lang sein, also maximal 150 bis 250 Wörter umfassen. Einige Prüfer machen genaue Vorgaben, andere lassen mehr Freiheit und akzeptieren auch längere Abstracts. Bei Fachzeitschriften und Konferenzbeiträgen gibt es fast immer sehr genaue Vorgaben.

Definieren Sie die Adressaten des Abstracts: Soll nur das Fachpublikum angesprochen werden? Oder soll er für jeden Leser selbsterklärend sein? Vergleichen Sie Abstracts in Sammelbänden und wissenschaftlichen Zeitschriften, und Sie werden große Unterschiede feststellen.

Ihr Abstract sollte genau, vollständig, kurz, knapp, objektiv und vor allem verständlich sein.

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Ein Dozent Ihres Fachbereichs liest Ihren Text vor der Abgabe, gibt Ihnen Rückmeldung, korrigiert und optimiert Ihre Abschlussarbeit.

Ein pragmatischer Ansatz beim Schreiben des Abstracts

Überlegen Sie sich die verschiedensten Stationen Ihrer Arbeit. Wie bei einer Reiseroute müssen Sie nur die wichtigsten Orte nennen, die Sie bereist haben, und nicht jeden Baum am Weg. Schreiben Sie dazu bspw. zu jedem der folgenden Punkte eigene Stichpunkte bzw. Sätze. Mit sogenannten W-Fragen (Was? Wie? Wo?) identifizieren Sie mögliche Inhalte Ihres Abstracts.

Sie können bewusst und sinnvoll aus dieser Kriterienliste auswählen. Die Liste soll nur der grundsätzlichen Orientierung dienen. Benennen Sie gerne auch Leerstellen, weisen Sie also darauf hin, wenn Sie bei einem wichtigen Punkt keine Antwort gefunden haben bzw. zu keiner klaren Erkenntnis gelangt sind.  

Nach dem Entwurf: systematisches Vervollständigen

Bravo, Sie haben bereits einen Rohentwurf des Abstracts zusammengestellt! Einige von Ihnen schreiben schon sehr früh einen Abstract, für andere ist das erst am Ende des Arbeitsprozesses möglich. Egal, wann Sie die erste Fassung Ihres Abstracts zu Papier gebracht haben – wie geht es jetzt weiter? Vervollständigen Sie Ihren Abstract entsprechend der besagten Leerstellen in der oben angeführten Checkliste. Nun können Sie den Abstract überarbeiten.  

Wie überarbeite ich einen Abstract?

Gerade weil es sich um eine sehr kleine Textmenge handelt, ist die inhaltliche und sprachliche Qualität sehr wichtig. Seien Sie ehrlich: Sie wollen selbst auch keine Abstracts lesen, in denen wesentliche Informationen fehlen oder die den Leser verwirren. Der sprachliche Spielraum ist beim Abstract nicht groß: Er sollte nüchtern, sachlich und leserfreundlich sein.

Je nach Publikation kann jedoch differenziert werden: Bei einer Masterarbeit ist der Spielraum eventuell geringer als bei einem Sammelband mit studentischen Einzelbeiträgen. Nutzen Sie den Spielraum, der Ihnen zur Verfügung steht, und ziehen Sie den Leser mit dem Abstract in Ihren Text – wie ein freundlicher Fährmann, der eine kleine Reiseroute von Hamburg nach Dresden anbietet. 

Sie können folgendermaßen vorgehen:

• Sind die wichtigsten Ergebnisse der Master /Bachelorarbeit enthalten?
• Müssen Ergebnisse gestrichen werden, die weniger wichtig sind?
• Ist der Abstract selbsterklärend, kann der Leser ihn verstehen, ohne die ganze Master /Bachelorarbeit kennen zu müssen?
• Gibt es logische oder sprachliche Brüche im Textfluss?
• Korrektur: Rechtschreibung, Schriftart und die maximale Wortanzahl überprüfen.
• Bonus: Macht der Abstract inhaltlich und sprachlich neugierig?

Was unser Lektorat für Sie leisten kann

Lektorat einer Bachelorarbeit

Weitere Informationen: Bachelorarbeit-Lektorat

Erweiterte Hinweise zum Überarbeiten: Feedbackpartner / critical friends

Wenn Sie alleine nicht mehr weiterkommen und/oder wenn der Abstract sehr gut werden soll (z. B. für ein call for papers), dann bietet sich folgende Checkliste an:

• Sehen Sie sich andere Abstracts in Fachzeitschriften und Sammelbänden an, die thematisch nahe an Ihrer Master /Bachelorarbeit liegen. Was ist dort konkret gut, was ist weniger gelungen?  
• Geben Sie einen konkreten Feedbackauftrag an Kommilitonen und/oder Freunde. Dabei soll es um folgende Fragen gehen: Inwieweit ist der Abstract selbsterklärend? Wo gibt es sprachliche Brüche? Welche Informationen fehlen?  
• Wenn Sie einen Abstract schreiben, um an einer Konferenz teilzunehmen, so folgt auf eine vorläufige Annahme meist eine Überarbeitungsphase. Dabei melden sich oft zwei sogenannte Reviewer bei Ihnen. Versuchen Sie jetzt, die Hinweise der Reviewer sorgfältig zu berücksichtigen, und nutzen Sie ggf. wieder die Hilfe Ihrer Kommilitonen und/oder Freunde.  
• Nehmen Sie professionelle Hilfe in Anspruch. Ein Coaching hilft beim Schreiben einer Abschlussarbeit. Es wird sich lohnen.  

Weiterlesen:  Bachelor-Thesis schreiben

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Sprechen Sie mit einem unserer empathischen Uni-Dozenten. So kommen Sie schneller und entspannter zum Abschluss. Kostenloses Erstgespräch.

• Dissertation & Thesis Guides
• Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing
• How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis: Guide & Examples

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

Table of contents

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.

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How to Write a Dissertation Abstract?

A dissertation or thesis abstract is a short summary outlining the purpose and scope of a dissertation or a thesis. An abstract succinctly explains the outcomes and the goal of a longer work so that the reader would know what to expect out of it.

A dissertation abstract reflects the author’s grasp of the research topic and sets the tone for the dissertation.

It is always a good idea to write your thesis abstract or the abstract for your dissertation at the very end after you’ve completed your research. However, many universities ask for an abstract before you begin work on your dissertation so as to grasp your understanding of the topic. In that case, you are expected to form an abstract based on your preliminary research and based on how you plan to carry out your research.

This Article Covers:

What does a dissertation or thesis abstract include, how long should an abstract be, when to write an abstract, what should a dissertation abstract include, example of a dissertation abstract, how to structure your dissertation or thesis abstract, tips for writing an abstract.

• An outline of the research problem and the proposed objectives
• The research methodology
• Key arguments or results
• The conclusion of the dissertation

The length of an abstract for a dissertation might vary from university to university as well as from program to program. Ideally, the length of an abstract is between 300 words to 500 words. It is always a good idea to check the requirements a university or journal might have about the word count of the dissertation abstract before submitting it.

An abstract is often included on a separate page in a dissertation or thesis. It should come after the title page as well as the acknowledgments but should be placed before the table of contents.

An abstract is always included when you are submitting a thesis, research, or a research paper or while sending a research paper to an academic journal.

In most cases, an abstract is something that you write at the very end of your research. It should not seem like an extension of your research or a disjointed portion and should be complete by itself. It should be a stand-alone piece that strokes the reader’s curiosity to read your paper. Sometimes, universities might ask for an abstract before approving your topic for a dissertation or thesis. In that case, an abstract is submitted to show that the student has a clear idea about how to go about the research.

As an abstract reflects the quality of a larger work, it should contain 4 key components.

1. Aim of the research :

If the aim or purpose of the research is not clear from the abstract section of your dissertation, it might leave the impression that your research has nothing new to offer. So, the abstract should be able to tell the reader or the examiner about what practical or theoretical problem the research is responding to (in other words, the research question) and what outcomes you expect to derive or what is the new thing that makes your dissertation stand apart.

You can write the aim of the dissertation or thesis in your abstract after proving the context or background for the research. A detailed background is not necessary and not possible, so only the most relevant information should be included. Once the background of your study is established and the gap in the existing literature is analyzed, you should propose the objective of your study.

It is usually preferred to use the present or simple past tense while stating the objective. This is because an abstract should be as precise and concise as possible and should reflect the same kind of rigorousness and objectivity that your dissertation will have. Find below examples of how to frame an objective for your abstract based on the use of language.

2. Method of research (the research methodology) :

After the objective of the study is stated, we move on to the methods used to conduct the research. This part should be a straightforward description of the kind of research methodology that you have used (quantitative or qualitative) in one or two sentences.

If the full thesis or dissertation is submitted, then the methodology is usually written in the simple past tense as it indicates the past action. There is no need to explain the validity of the methodology or the obstacles faced during the process in this part. Those parts only need to be included in the research methodology section of the dissertation. The goal is just to give the reader a basic insight into how you have conducted the research.

3. Outcomes of the research :

The results or the outcomes section should be included in the concluding paragraph of the abstract. This part summarizes the resolutions offered to the problem statement identified initially in the abstract. The outcome of the study should be indicated in clear terms.

Depending on the length and complexity of your research, you can decide what to include in this part. Ideally, it should not exceed 3-4 sentences. If the outcomes are complex, you could just mention the relevant ones that the reader would be able to understand without wanting further elaboration. Results are often written in the present or simple past tense.

4. The conclusion of the abstract

Particular care should be given to the way you frame the conclusion of your abstract. In this part, the main conclusions of your research should be stated. The conclusion should clearly answer the problem statement that you have proposed initially in your abstract.

The conclusion should tell the reader what your research has accomplished and what new knowledge it is adding to the existing ones. Conclusions are usually written in the simple present tense.

Keywords are added at the end of a dissertation or abstract if it is going to be published. The keyword gives the reader an idea about the essential concepts in the dissertation or thesis. They also provide visibility to your paper when others search the related words on a search engine. So, you should make sure that you add only the most important and relevant words related to your dissertation in the keywords’ section.

Abstract for the dissertation can be structured in the following way:

• As the abstract would be around 300-500 words, it is better to divide it into 2-3 paragraphs.
• More than three paragraphs might not be recommended as the abstract is of very short length.
• The aim of the research should be mentioned in the first paragraph or the introductory paragraph of the abstract.
• You should not start writing the abstract by directly stating the aim. Instead, provide background information about your area of research in 2-3 lines.
• You could even start your abstract by stating the problem statement.
• The background information on the existing literature would give the reader information about where your dissertation or thesis is situated.
• The background information or short literature review would be followed by the problem statement or vice versa according to your arguments.
• The problem statement identifies the gap in the existing literature.
• Following the problem statement, you should propose what research question you aim to answer.
• The last paragraph mentions the results or the outcomes/conclusion of the study. You could even make suggestions for future studies in this part.

Writing an abstract can be challenging as you need to filter down the most relevant aspects of your dissertation into 300-500 words. This means that you will have to omit a lot of information while providing enough to interest the reader or evaluator. Here are some tips to get started on your abstract:

Tips to help you write an abstract :

• Chapter by chapter method :

List the keywords and draft a few sentences outlining the relevance of each chapter of your dissertation or thesis. The short summary of each chapter should be related to your central argument. Combine them together and fill in the gaps. Add in more information and remove the unnecessary ones as you revise the draft.

• Read other abstracts:

This is the best way to learn the conventions of abstract writing in your area of research. Notice how other well-accepted research abstracts present their ideas. Make a list of what you find interesting in those.

• Write many versions of the rough drafts:

Ultimately, it is important not to wait for the perfect version. The perfect version won’t happen unless you keep writing. Write mediocre abstracts and notice what is wrong with those versions. Write multiple versions of the abstract in different ways and work on that which you think reads the best.

• Make it compact:

Revision is an important aspect of perfecting any academic writing. Revise, change the words, and write in different ways but keep it compact. An abstract is a condensed piece of your dissertation so it should reflect that compactness.

• Keep editing:

This is one of the most important steps in writing an abstract for any academic piece. Even if you think the abstract looks perfect, come back to it after a while, and let someone else, a professional editor or a senior, have a look over it.

Let’s Conclude

So, there you go! We have outlined all the steps and tips we consider necessary before you write your dissertation . We have covered what a dissertation abstract should include, the dissertation abstract structure that you need to keep in mind, and have included tips and an example of a dissertation to help you get to it!

-Lily Brooke

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• Einen Abstract schreiben für eine Dissertation
• Dissertation schreiben

Was ist ein Abstract?

An wen richtet sich das kurzreferat, formale kriterien, das einreichen.

Der Abstract ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil jeder Dissertation. Er nimmt eine sehr wichtige Rolle ein, weil er das Fazit   einer Doktorarbeit kurz und bündig wiedergibt. Was ein solcher Text ist, an wen er sich wendet und wozu er notwendig ist, wird in diesem Artikel erklärt. Außerdem wird erläutert, was man beim Schreiben beachten muss.

Der Abstract als Bestandteil einer Dissertation

Jede umfangreiche wissenschaftliche Arbeit weist einen Abstract – manchmal auch Kurzzusammenfassung, Kurzfassung oder Kurzreferat genannt – auf. Dies gilt nicht nur für alle Publikationen, sondern auch für die Doktorarbeit. Im Folgenden wird erläutert, was dieser Text ist und an wen er sich richtet.

Ein Abstract ist ein kurzer Text, der über den Inhalt einer schriftlichen Arbeit informiert. Dieser kann bereits den Prozess der Planung einer Dissertation unterstützen. Demzufolge kann der Abstract als Übersicht über die Dissertation verstanden werden. Dabei ist wichtig, dass man alle relevanten Ergebnisse nennt. Darüber hinaus soll der Leser vor allem auch über den Gewinn neuer Erkenntnisse informiert werden.

Des Weiteren wird die Vorgehensweise zum Erreichen der Ergebnisse geschildert. Dabei nennt man die Methoden und thematisiert die Auswertung der Daten, zum Beispiel für eine  empirische Arbeit . Das Ziel ist, dass der Leser nach der Beschäftigung mit der Kurzfassung über die betreffende wissenschaftliche Arbeit Bescheid weiß.

Auf diese Weise bildet er eine Ergänzung zum Inhaltsverzeichnis . Gemeinsam bieten diese beiden Bestandteile einen Überblick über die Gliederung sowie die Inhalte einer Dissertation. Man kann die Funktion dieser beiden Teile quasi als „Wegweiser“ durch die wissenschaftliche Arbeit beschreiben – wie eine Einleitung , nur sehr viel kürzer und prägnanter. Dieser dient dem Leser als Orientierung.

Eine Kurzfassung ist für alle am betreffenden Thema interessierten Wissenschaftler wichtig. Diese informieren sich anhand dieser kurzen Zusammenfassung über die Ergebnisse einer wissenschaftlichen Arbeit. Danach entscheiden sie, ob es sich auszahlt, den betreffenden Text genauer zu lesen (vgl. Rossig/Prätsch 2005: 89). Ein nützliches Tool in diesem Zusammenhang sind Abstract-Datenbanken wie PsycINFO .

Dieser Auswahlvorgang hilft, Zeit zu sparen. Denn auf diese Weise muss nicht die gesamte Publikation gelesen werden, sondern nur relevante Teile. Diesen Umstand macht man sich auch als Doktorand zu Nutze. Gerade wenn man eine umfangreiche Liste an wichtiger Literatur abarbeiten muss, beurteilt man vorab, welche davon wesentlich ist. So kann man die  Literaturverwaltung optimieren.

Außerdem ist die Kurzfassung für den Doktorvater  einer Promotionsarbeit von Interesse. Durch einen Abstract kann sich der Betreuer – in Kombination mit dem Inhaltsverzeichnis – einen Eindruck über das Vorgehen verschaffen. Ebenso informiert der Abstract bereits über die Ergebnisse der Doktorarbeit.

Was muss man beim Schreiben eines Abstracts für die Dissertation beachten?

Ein Abstract muss verschiedene Kriterien erfüllen. Zum einen sind inhaltliche Kriterien wesentlich. Im Folgenden wird geklärt welche das sind. Zum anderen haben Hochschulen und Universitäten Richtlinien wie eine Kurzzusammenfassung zu gestalten ist. Ebenso existieren Vorgaben bezüglich des Einreichens. Diesbezüglich gibt es jedoch keine einheitlichen Regelungen. Wichtig ist, sich früh genug darüber zu informieren!

Wie bereits erwähnt muss das Kurzreferat einer Promotionsarbeit informativ sein. Es bietet einen kurzen Überblick über die wesentlichen Ergebnisse. Eine Anforderung dabei ist, dass alle Inhalte der Doktorarbeit verständlich und vollständig wiedergegeben werden. Dadurch ist sein Aufbau bedingt, der in Grundzügen die Gliederung des Haupttextes widerspiegelt.

In der Kurzfassung werden wichtige Aspekte geklärt. Das sind beispielsweise die Fragen, wie das Thema sowie die Hypothesen lauten könnten. Zudem werden das Vorgehen und die Methode genannt. Darüber hinaus wird erläutert, welche Resultate sich ergeben haben. Vor allem der letzte Punkt ist ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der Kurzzusammenfassung.

Weiterhin beachtet man, dass in der Kurzfassung lediglich jene Informationen genannt werden, die tatsächlich Bestandteil der schriftlichen Arbeit sind. Weiterführende Informationen sind hingegen fehl am Platz. Das Resultat soll ein kurz gefasster, aber genauer Überblick über die Dissertation sein. Aus diesem Grund ist es empfehlenswert, das Kurzreferat erst nach Vorliegen der Ergebnisse der Forschungsarbeit zu schreiben.

Zusätzlich sollte der Abstract zeigen, welche neuen Erkenntnisse man im Zuge der Dissertation gewonnen hat. Es ist von Vorteil, wenn für Betreuer und Interessierte neue Ergebnisse sowie der Wissenszuwachs klar ersichtlich sind (vgl. Samac/Prenner/Schwetz 2009: 56). Genau dies sind schließlich wesentliche Anforderungen an eine Promotion. Darüber hinaus ist es natürlich wichtig, dass man auch im Abstract nur eigene Formulierungen verwendet, insbesondere hinsichtlich der Plagiatsprüfung . Sie ist für eine Dissertation obligatorisch.

Hinsichtlich der Länge gibt es keine einheitlichen Vorgaben. Manche Autoren sprechen von einem Umfang von ein bis zwei Seiten (vgl. Rossig/Prätsch 2013: 89). Andere hingegen nennen eine Wortobergrenze von 100 Wörtern (vgl. Stickel-Wolf/Wolf 2013: 249). Zusätzlich gibt es die Meinung, dass die Länge etwa ein Drittel einer DIN-A4-Seite betragen soll (vgl. Kruse 2007: 185) – das hängt jedoch auch von der Formatierung ab.

Weil eine Kurzzusammenfassung den Inhalt einer Arbeit für möglichst viele Wissenschaftler zugänglich macht, muss sie neben Deutsch auch in englischer Übersetzung  vorliegen. Dies entspricht laut Samac, Prenner und Schwetz internationalen Gepflogenheiten (vgl. 2009: 56). Dennoch muss man sich diesbezüglich informieren. Manchmal muss die Kurzzusammenfassung nur auf Deutsch eingereicht werden. Andere Institutionen hingegen verlangen sogar eine dritte Sprache.

Bevor die Dissertation samt Abstract eingereicht wird, empfiehlt es sich, ein wissenschaftliches Lektorat seiner Arbeit vorzunehmen. Bezüglich des Einreichens gibt es verschiedene Vorgaben seitens der Hochschulen. Einerseits regeln manche Richtlinien, dass das Kurzreferat separat abgegeben werden muss. Denn es ist laut Rossig und Prätsch (vgl. 2005: 89) kein Teil der Dissertation. Andererseits geben manche Universitäten vor, dass dieser Text eingebunden wird. Dann ist sein Platz entweder am Ende oder zwischen Deckblatt und Inhaltsverzeichnis und nicht etwa zum Ende nach dem Verzeichnis für Abbildungen und Übersichten sowie  Literaturverzeichnis .

Außerdem gibt es Unterschiede dahingehend auf welche Art und Weise der Abstract eingereicht wird. Zum einen gibt es Universitäten an denen die Kurzfassung online eingereicht wird. Zum anderen schreiben manche Hochschulen vor, dass das Kurzreferat der Doktorarbeit gemeinsam mit der gedruckten Arbeit abgegeben werden muss.

Genaue Informationen erhält man in der Regel in den Promotionsordnungen der jeweiligen Hochschule (Siehe beispielsweise die Promotionsordnung der TU München ).

Da man sich mithilfe eines Abstracts einen ersten Eindruck über eine Dissertation verschaffen kann, muss man beim Verfassen einige wichtige Aspekte beachten. So nennt man wesentliche Ergebnisse kurz und prägnant. Außerdem muss man den Leser über die Forschungsfrage sowie die Methode informieren. Zusätzlich gilt es, einige formale Vorgaben zu beachten.

Kruse, Otto (2007) : Keine Angst vor dem leeren Blatt – Ohne Schreibblockaden durchs Studium, 12. Aufl. Frankfurt.

Rossig, Wolfram E./Prätsch, Joachim (2005) : Wissenschaftliche Arbeiten, 5. Aufl. Weyhe.

Stickel-Wolf, Christine/Wolf, Joachim (2013) : Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten und Lerntechniken – Erfolgreich studieren – gewusst wie!, 7. Aufl. Wiesbaden.

Samac, Klaus/Prenner, Monika/Schwetz, Herbert (2009) : Die Bachelorarbeit an Universität und Fachhochschule, Wien.

Marina Feidel

How to Write an Abstract APA Format

Saul Mcleod, PhD

Educator, Researcher

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MRes, PhD, University of Manchester

Saul Mcleod, Ph.D., is a qualified psychology teacher with over 18 years experience of working in further and higher education. He has been published in peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Olivia Guy-Evans, MSc

Associate Editor for Simply Psychology

BSc (Hons) Psychology, MSc Psychology of Education

Olivia Guy-Evans is a writer and associate editor for Simply Psychology. She has previously worked in healthcare and educational sectors.

An APA abstract is a brief, comprehensive summary of the contents of an article, research paper, dissertation, or report.

It is written in accordance with the guidelines of the American Psychological Association (APA), which is a widely used format in social and behavioral sciences. 

An APA abstract summarizes, usually in one paragraph of between 150–250 words, the major aspects of a research paper or dissertation in a prescribed sequence that includes:

• The rationale: the overall purpose of the study, providing a clear context for the research undertaken.
• Information regarding the method and participants: including materials/instruments, design, procedure, and data analysis.
• Main findings or trends: effectively highlighting the key outcomes of the hypotheses.
• Interpretations and conclusion(s): solidify the implications of the research.
• Keywords related to the study: assist the paper’s discoverability in academic databases.

The abstract should stand alone, be “self-contained,” and make sense to the reader in isolation from the main article.

The purpose of the abstract is to give the reader a quick overview of the essential information before reading the entire article. The abstract is placed on its own page, directly after the title page and before the main body of the paper.

Although the abstract will appear as the very first part of your paper, it’s good practice to write your abstract after you’ve drafted your full paper, so that you know what you’re summarizing.

Note : This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), released in October 2019.

Structure of the Abstract

[NOTE: DO NOT separate the components of the abstract – it should be written as a single paragraph. This section is separated to illustrate the abstract’s structure.]

1) The Rationale

One or two sentences describing the overall purpose of the study and the research problem(s) you investigated. You are basically justifying why this study was conducted.

• What is the importance of the research?
• Why would a reader be interested in the larger work?
• For example, are you filling a gap in previous research or applying new methods to take a fresh look at existing ideas or data?
• Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer can experience an array of psychosocial difficulties; however, social support, particularly from a spouse, has been shown to have a protective function during this time. This study examined the ways in which a woman’s daily mood, pain, and fatigue, and her spouse’s marital satisfaction predict the woman’s report of partner support in the context of breast cancer.
• The current nursing shortage, high hospital nurse job dissatisfaction, and reports of uneven quality of hospital care are not uniquely American phenomena.
• Students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are more likely to exhibit behavioral difficulties than their typically developing peers. The aim of this study was to identify specific risk factors that influence variability in behavior difficulties among individuals with SEND.

2) The Method

Information regarding the participants (number, and population). One or two sentences outlining the method, explaining what was done and how. The method is described in the present tense.

• Pretest data from a larger intervention study and multilevel modeling were used to examine the effects of women’s daily mood, pain, and fatigue and average levels of mood, pain, and fatigue on women’s report of social support received from her partner, as well as how the effects of mood interacted with partners’ marital satisfaction.
• This paper presents reports from 43,000 nurses from more than 700 hospitals in the United States, Canada, England, Scotland, and Germany in 1998–1999.
• The study sample comprised 4,228 students with SEND, aged 5–15, drawn from 305 primary and secondary schools across England. Explanatory variables were measured at the individual and school levels at baseline, along with a teacher-reported measure of behavior difficulties (assessed at baseline and the 18-month follow-up).

3) The Results

One or two sentences indicating the main findings or trends found as a result of your analysis. The results are described in the present or past tense.

• Results show that on days in which women reported higher levels of negative or positive mood, as well as on days they reported more pain and fatigue, they reported receiving more support. Women who, on average, reported higher levels of positive mood tended to report receiving more support than those who, on average, reported lower positive mood. However, average levels of negative mood were not associated with support. Higher average levels of fatigue but not pain were associated with higher support. Finally, women whose husbands reported higher levels of marital satisfaction reported receiving more partner support, but husbands’ marital satisfaction did not moderate the effect of women’s mood on support.
• Nurses in countries with distinctly different healthcare systems report similar shortcomings in their work environments and the quality of hospital care. While the competence of and relation between nurses and physicians appear satisfactory, core problems in work design and workforce management threaten the provision of care.
• Hierarchical linear modeling of data revealed that differences between schools accounted for between 13% (secondary) and 15.4% (primary) of the total variance in the development of students’ behavior difficulties, with the remainder attributable to individual differences. Statistically significant risk markers for these problems across both phases of education were being male, eligibility for free school meals, being identified as a bully, and lower academic achievement. Additional risk markers specific to each phase of education at the individual and school levels are also acknowledged.

4) The Conclusion / Implications

A brief summary of your conclusions and implications of the results, described in the present tense. Explain the results and why the study is important to the reader.

• For example, what changes should be implemented as a result of the findings of the work?
• How does this work add to the body of knowledge on the topic?

Implications of these findings are discussed relative to assisting couples during this difficult time in their lives.

• Resolving these issues, which are amenable to managerial intervention, is essential to preserving patient safety and care of consistently high quality.
• Behavior difficulties are affected by risks across multiple ecological levels. Addressing any one of these potential influences is therefore likely to contribute to the reduction in the problems displayed.

The above examples of abstracts are from the following papers:

Aiken, L. H., Clarke, S. P., Sloane, D. M., Sochalski, J. A., Busse, R., Clarke, H., … & Shamian, J. (2001). Nurses’ reports on hospital care in five countries . Health affairs, 20(3) , 43-53.

Boeding, S. E., Pukay-Martin, N. D., Baucom, D. H., Porter, L. S., Kirby, J. S., Gremore, T. M., & Keefe, F. J. (2014). Couples and breast cancer: Women’s mood and partners’ marital satisfaction predicting support perception . Journal of Family Psychology, 28(5) , 675.

Oldfield, J., Humphrey, N., & Hebron, J. (2017). Risk factors in the development of behavior difficulties among students with special educational needs and disabilities: A multilevel analysis . British journal of educational psychology, 87(2) , 146-169.

5) Keywords

APA style suggests including a list of keywords at the end of the abstract. This is particularly common in academic articles and helps other researchers find your work in databases.

Keywords in an abstract should be selected to help other researchers find your work when searching an online database. These keywords should effectively represent the main topics of your study. Here are some tips for choosing keywords:

Core Concepts: Identify the most important ideas or concepts in your paper. These often include your main research topic, the methods you’ve used, or the theories you’re discussing.

Specificity: Your keywords should be specific to your research. For example, suppose your paper is about the effects of climate change on bird migration patterns in a specific region. In that case, your keywords might include “climate change,” “bird migration,” and the region’s name.

Consistency with Paper: Make sure your keywords are consistent with the terms you’ve used in your paper. For example, if you use the term “adolescent” rather than “teen” in your paper, choose “adolescent” as your keyword, not “teen.”

Jargon and Acronyms: Avoid using too much-specialized jargon or acronyms in your keywords, as these might not be understood or used by all researchers in your field.

Synonyms: Consider including synonyms of your keywords to capture as many relevant searches as possible. For example, if your paper discusses “post-traumatic stress disorder,” you might include “PTSD” as a keyword.

Remember, keywords are a tool for others to find your work, so think about what terms other researchers might use when searching for papers on your topic.

The Abstract SHOULD NOT contain:

Lengthy background or contextual information: The abstract should focus on your research and findings, not general topic background.

Undefined jargon, abbreviations,  or acronyms: The abstract should be accessible to a wide audience, so avoid highly specialized terms without defining them.

Citations: Abstracts typically do not include citations, as they summarize original research.

Incomplete sentences or bulleted lists: The abstract should be a single, coherent paragraph written in complete sentences.

New information not covered in the paper: The abstract should only summarize the paper’s content.

Subjective comments or value judgments: Stick to objective descriptions of your research.

Excessive details on methods or procedures: Keep descriptions of methods brief and focused on main steps.

Speculative or inconclusive statements: The abstract should state the research’s clear findings, not hypotheses or possible interpretations.

• Any illustration, figure, table, or references to them . All visual aids, data, or extensive details should be included in the main body of your paper, not in the abstract. 
• Elliptical or incomplete sentences should be avoided in an abstract . The use of ellipses (…), which could indicate incomplete thoughts or omitted text, is not appropriate in an abstract.

APA Style for Abstracts

An APA abstract must be formatted as follows:

Include the running head aligned to the left at the top of the page (professional papers only) and page number. Note, student papers do not require a running head. On the first line, center the heading “Abstract” and bold (do not underlined or italicize). Do not indent the single abstract paragraph (which begins one line below the section title). Double-space the text. Use Times New Roman font in 12 pt. Set one-inch (or 2.54 cm) margins. If you include a “keywords” section at the end of the abstract, indent the first line and italicize the word “Keywords” while leaving the keywords themselves without any formatting.

Example APA Abstract Page

Download this example as a PDF

Further Information

• APA 7th Edition Abstract and Keywords Guide
• Example APA Abstract
• How to Write a Good Abstract for a Scientific Paper or Conference Presentation
• How to Write a Lab Report
• Writing an APA paper

How long should an APA abstract be?

An APA abstract should typically be between 150 to 250 words long. However, the exact length may vary depending on specific publication or assignment guidelines. It is crucial that it succinctly summarizes the essential elements of the work, including purpose, methods, findings, and conclusions.

Where does the abstract go in an APA paper?

In an APA formatted paper, the abstract is placed on its own page, directly after the title page and before the main body of the paper. It’s typically the second page of the document. It starts with the word “Abstract” (centered and not in bold) at the top of the page, followed by the text of the abstract itself.

What are the 4 C’s of abstract writing?

The 4 C’s of abstract writing are an approach to help you create a well-structured and informative abstract. They are:

Conciseness: An abstract should briefly summarize the key points of your study. Stick to the word limit (typically between 150-250 words for an APA abstract) and avoid unnecessary details.

Clarity: Your abstract should be easy to understand. Avoid jargon and complex sentences. Clearly explain the purpose, methods, results, and conclusions of your study.

Completeness: Even though it’s brief, the abstract should provide a complete overview of your study, including the purpose, methods, key findings, and your interpretation of the results.

Cohesion: The abstract should flow logically from one point to the next, maintaining a coherent narrative about your study. It’s not just a list of disjointed elements; it’s a brief story of your research from start to finish.

What is the abstract of a psychology paper?

An abstract in a psychology paper serves as a snapshot of the paper, allowing readers to quickly understand the purpose, methodology, results, and implications of the research without reading the entire paper. It is generally between 150-250 words long.