The term “abstract” is a homophone which can mean one of tw…
The term “abstract” is a homophone which can mean one of two scholarly writing activities. On, is the abstract that you will write to introduce your dissertation. The other meaning is a shortened writing assignment whereby you write a condensed summary of an academic journal.
Answer
Abstracts play a significant role in scholarly writing as they provide concise summaries of larger works, such as dissertations or academic journal articles. This task of condensing information into a brief abstract requires precision and clarity, enabling readers to quickly grasp the main points and determine if the full work is worth further exploration. While the term “abstract” can refer to two different writing activities, namely the abstract of a dissertation and the abstract of an academic journal article, in this paper, we will discuss the former.
A dissertation abstract is a brief overview of a larger research project that aims to highlight the main objectives, methodologies, findings, and conclusions of the study. It serves as a preview, allowing readers to understand the essence of the research and its significance without having to read the entire dissertation. Typically, a dissertation abstract should be between 150 to 300 words, but this can vary depending on institutional requirements.
Writing an effective dissertation abstract requires careful consideration of several key elements. Firstly, it should provide a clear statement of the research problem and objectives. This ensures that readers can quickly determine if the research aligns with their interests and needs. It is crucial to concisely state the core research questions and hypotheses, allowing readers to understand the investigation’s purpose.
Secondly, the abstract should provide an overview of the chosen research methodology and any relevant data collection procedures. This allows readers to evaluate the study’s methodology and the quality of the evidence presented. While it is not necessary to provide extensive details, it is important to convey a sense of the methods employed and the rigor of the research approach.
Furthermore, the abstract should highlight the main findings or results obtained from the research. This could include key statistical analyses, significant trends or patterns, or important qualitative findings. It is crucial to present the most relevant and impactful results, while avoiding unnecessary details or excessive technical language that may confuse or overwhelm readers.
Lastly, the abstract should summarize the main conclusions or implications drawn from the study. This allows readers to understand the broader significance of the research and its potential contributions to the academic field. It is important to highlight any novel or unexpected findings, as well as any recommendations for future research or practical applications.
In conclusion, the abstract of a dissertation serves as a concise summary of a larger research project. It should effectively convey the research problem and objectives, provide an overview of the methodology, highlight the main findings, and summarize the conclusions and implications. Crafting a well-written abstract is essential for attracting the interest of potential readers and ensuring the research’s visibility and impact.