Step 1: Introduction
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.
Step 2: Methods
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.
Step 3: Results
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.
Step 4: Discussion
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.
Keywords
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.
Tips for writing an abstract
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.
