How to Write a Dissertation Abstract

The following step-by-step instructions will assist with how to write an abstract (or summary) for a dissertation or thesis project. Each step outlines an essential part of an abstract that should be included. In addition, the elements are provided in the order they should appear in the completed abstract.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with word processing program Completed dissertation or thesis

Instructions

1. Importance: The first part of an abstract should state the importance of this research and why others would want to read it. What makes this work significant?

2. Problem: The next part of an abstract should explain what problem this work is attempting to solve. For instance, what is the thesis, hypothesis, or main argument?

3. Methodology: The next section of an abstract explains and identifies the research methodology used in the project. This may be a scientific procedure if working in the hard sciences or a theory if working in the humanities.

4. Findings: This section should state the results found from the research study. This could include specific evidence or data found.

5. Significance: The final section of the abstract explains why the results of this study are useful and how they relate to the research already completed in the field. Most importantly, it identifies how the research adds to the knowledge that already exists in the field.