How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis
An abstract presents the research problem and gives readers a quick overview of the research questions, literature review, methodology, and findings of your thesis or dissertation. The abstract should have the following essential elements:
- Introduction
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
The abstract needs to be brief and direct. Typically speaking, it needs to be 150–350 words long. Do not use acronyms, technical terminology, or jargon that is not widely known. The abstract should be on a separate page of a dissertation or thesis, following the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents.
Abstract Example
Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress and Burnout Among Teachers
Stress and burnout among teachers are significant problems that can affect teacher well-being and student outcomes. Mindfulness meditation is a promising intervention that has been shown to reduce stress and burnout in various populations. However, research on the effects of mindfulness meditation among teachers is limited. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effects of an 8-week mindfulness meditation program on stress and burnout among a sample of 50 teachers from a public school district in the United States.
The study utilised a mixed-methods design, including pre-and post-test measures of stress and burnout using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, as well as qualitative interviews to gather data on the experiences of participating teachers. The study found a significant decrease in stress and burnout among participants after the 8-week mindfulness meditation program. The qualitative data revealed that mindfulness meditation helped teachers to develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations and to use mindfulness practices to cope with stress and prevent burnout.
These findings have important implications for teacher well-being and student outcomes, suggesting that mindfulness meditation may be a feasible and effective intervention for reducing stress and burnout among teachers. However, further research is required to evaluate mindfulness meditation’s long-term effects and identify strategies for integrating mindfulness practices into teacher training programs.
Keywords: mindfulness meditation, stress, burnout, teachers, well-being.
How and When to Write an Abstract
Almost often, an abstract must be included when:
- Finishing a dissertation or thesis
- Submitting a research paper to a scholarly publication
- Putting together a book or research proposal
- Requesting money for research
As your abstract is a recap of the work you’ve previously done, it’s easiest to write it last, just before the proofreading phase. Your abstract should:
- Be a standalone piece rather than a passage from your essay.
- Be completely understandable on its own
- Reflect on the organisation of your body of work
1: Introduction
An abstract introduction is a succinct piece that gives background information and context for the research we will conduct. The introduction strives to offer readers a clear understanding of the research’s purpose and the issue it tackles,
Start by giving some background information on the subject or issue that your study focuses on. The issue’s brief history, significant arguments or views in the area, as well as pertinent data or information that aids in.
The topic or research question that your study aims to solve should be stated clearly. This needs to be a clear and concise statement that describes the knowledge or research gaps that your study seeks to fill.
Your dissertation subject’s social or academic importance may be briefly explained, but avoid providing extensive background material. Provide a brief description of any specialist terminology in your abstract that the ordinary academic reader might not be familiar with or has more than one meaning.
2: Methods
Next, Describe the research’s methodology and strategies in brief. This should contain some details regarding the sample, the procedures used for gathering and analysing data, and any other pertinent information about the study.
3: Results
Write a summary of the research’s principal conclusions or findings. A concise summary of the research’s key findings or insights should be included here.
4: Discussion
What is your response to the issue or question? You should next go over the key findings of your investigation. The main argument or conclusion supported by your research should be evident to the reader when they have finished reading. In conclusion paragraphs, the present simple tense is typically used.
Keywords
You might need to provide a list of keywords at the conclusion of the abstract if your work is published. To make it easier for potential readers to locate your work via their own literature searches, these keywords should allude to the essential points of your research. Be aware that some books on writing for publications, such as APA Style, have particular formatting guidelines for these terms.
Some Useful Tips For Writing the Perfect Abstract
The following tips will help you create an excellent abstract:
Follow the guidelines
Check the requirements provided by your university or the publication where you want to submit your study before you begin drafting your abstract. Make careful to adhere to the abstract’s directions and word count limits.
Clear and concise
Writing in clear, simple, and understandable language is important while creating an abstract. A reader may not be familiar with your jargon or technical phrases, so refrain from utilising them. Avoid passive voice and use active verbs instead.
Most important elements only
Keep in mind that the abstract is a summary of your study, not a complete account, so concentrate on the most crucial details. Keep your attention on what matters most, and omit any irrelevant details.
Be precise
Make sure your abstract accurately portrays the results of your study and contains factual information. Keep your statements backed up, and don’t overstate the significance of your discoveries.
Edit and Improve
Once you’ve written your abstract, edit and improve it to ensure it’s effective, concise, and easy to understand. Verify that the abstract appropriately summarises your findings by asking your adviser or colleagues for input.
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Abstract Template
EssaysUK provides a free abstract template to help you create your dissertation and thesis abstract. You can create your doc file copy by clicking on the button.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dissertation or Thesis Abstract
An abstract is a brief synopsis of a research paper (such as a journal article or dissertation). It accomplishes two major goals:
- Make it easier for potential readers to decide whether your work is relevant to their own study.
- To make your main conclusions clear to readers who don’t have time to read the entire report.
In academic resources, abstracts are frequently indexed with keywords, making your work easier to discover. The abstract should correctly and succinctly represent the substance of your article because it is the first thing a reader will see.
Typically, a thesis or dissertation abstract is 200–300 words long. Review the standards set forth by your university because word limits are sometimes severe.
The final thing you write is the abstract. To correctly summarise the contents of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, you should only write it when your research is finished.
