How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

What is the Importance of Dissertation Abstract and Steps to Write an Impactful Abstract for my Dissertation?

How to Write a Dissertation Abstract with Purpose

The Purpose of Research is the ‘original contributions’ made by a researcher in the specific domain. In the Abstract of your dissertation, you must remain focused on stating the purpose of your research with adequate clarity. Never express anything other than your involvement and innovative declarations. Avoid adding any kind of statement or citation in the Abstract. However, the determined theoretical contribution can be mentioned in a sentence or two. This must be included to show the relevance of your purpose for the research. The language should be precise and to the point. You are not allowed to offer ambiguous sentences while explaining the reasons for your research. Eventually, the conclusive sentences of your Abstract must remain in coherence with the justified reasons and result of your research.

As per our recommendation always write the Abstract by the end of the research paper. It must be self-contained content and not an excerpt of your dissertation. The best way to Dissertation writing abstract is to:

Check the example noted below for a clear perception:

Source: Ivanovic, M., Ambros, F. and Mesaric, D. (2014). "Models Of Investment In Fiber Optic Networks And Implementation Of The "Slavonian Network" Project." Economy of eastern Croatia yesterday, today, tomorrow. Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Economics, Croatia, vol. 3, pages 37-47

Write a Dissertation Abstract: Steps by Step

The process of condensing the entire dissertation content can be challenging. To make the task simple for you, we offer a Step-by-Step procedure.

Step 1 => Get an Idea: In this step, you need to read Abstracts of different research works. Selection of Abstracts of various Journal Articles can be the best way to understand how to write Dissertation Abstract.

Step 2 => Create the Framework: Based on your understanding of Abstracts from different Journal Articles you need to create the headings of your Abstract. The common headings can be Aims & Objectives or the Research Problem, followed by the Research Methodology. You need to add the Findings or the Results of your Research and add a Conclusion in relation with the Aims & Objectives or the Research Problem 

Step 3 => Follow University Guidelines: When you write a Dissertation Abstract always follow the guidelines and instructions as provided by the University. Violation or ignorance towards these guidelines can end up in the rejection of your Dissertation.

Step 4 => Enlist 1 Sentence per Chapter: Write down one sentence for every Chapter and accommodate within the framework of the Abstract. You can ignore the chapters for Literature Review and Discussions, in this Step.

Step 5 => Explain Each Sentence Concisely: The clarity and concise way of expressing an impactful context of every chapter, is the key to write a Dissertation Abstract.  

Dissertation writing abstract as per Keywords

Dissertation writing abstract demands very minutely constructed content that remains inclusive of the Keywords. Keywords are the most important words used in dissertations, which are responsible for helping the readers find your research in the process of online literature search through Search Engines. You can always enlist the Keywords at the end of your Abstract.

Note: Always consider the instructed formatting of keywords as per Referencing Styles like APA style.

How to Write a Dissertation Abstract with Great Impact

"Why is it necessary to know- how to write a Dissertation Abstract?"

The Dissertation Abstract is important for getting Academic Jobs. When you apply to be an academician or a post for lecturer or professor, in a college or a university, the foremost thing that the Human Resource Manager (HRM) will check is your Dissertation Abstract, along with your Curriculum Vitae and the attached Cover Letter. Instead of reading the 200 to 300 pages of your Dissertation, the hiring manager will be able to assess your research potentiality by reading the impactful Abstract. The same applies to your Interviewers. As the Interviewers will read your Abstract, they will have a clear idea about the kind of in-depth contribution that you can offer to the respective field. Accordingly, your responsibilities and designation in the Department get decided.

Thus, it is very important to write an impactful Dissertation Abstract.  

Write a Dissertation Abstract with Right Format

The right format to write a Dissertation Abstract relies on the kind of guidelines provided by the University. However, there is a general standard that you need to consider while structuring the Abstract for your Dissertation.

The Abstract is presented on an independent page and is usually added just after the Acknowledge page and before the Table of Content. It is meant to remain within the word count as specified by the University or is expected to remain between 100 to 300 words. It is not expected to be more than a single page.

In the headings of Aims & Objectives, Methods, Results, and Conclusion, you need to express-

The format of writing a Dissertation Abstract must follow the instructions of the University. However, the most common recommendations are:

5. Paper size:  A4
5. Paper margins: 2.54 cms or 1 inch from all sides
5. Font size: Arial 10 size with double space or Times New Roman 12 size with double space.
5. Alignment: Justified
6. Page numbers: bottom of the page or at the right-hand corner at the top of the page
5. In-text citations: No citation in the Abstract

Dissertation Writing Abstract Checklist

As you gain insight into – how to write Dissertation Abstract, you will be able to check your Dissertation Abstract by following the Checklist given below:

• The word limit has been maintained as per University guidelines.
• The Aims & Objectives or the Research Problems are stated clearly.
• Every detail on Primary and secondary data collection has been imprinted.
• Attained innovative results are summed up in 3 to 4 sentences
• Conclusion to the entire research process has been stated by the end of the Abstract.
• Keywords are added at the end of the Abstract.