Are you struggling to write an abstract for your dissertation or dissertation proposal? Look no further! In this article, we will provide you with some useful information and tips on how to write a great abstract for your dissertation. We will also address some common questions about the length, format, and necessity of abstracts.

What is an abstract for a dissertation?

An abstract is a brief summary of your dissertation, usually, 150-300 words long, that provides readers with a concise overview of your research question, methods, results, and conclusions. It should be written in a clear, concise, and engaging manner that captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to read your full dissertation.

How to write an abstract for a dissertation?

Writing an abstract for a dissertation is an important task that summarizes the main aspects of your research. To write a good abstract, you need to follow a specific structure and include the most important elements of your study. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

  1. Start by identifying the purpose of your dissertation and the research question you aim to answer. The first sentence of your abstract should clearly state the purpose and focus of your study. It should provide a concise overview of what your research is about, and what you are trying to achieve.
  2. Briefly describe your research methods, including the sample size, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques. In this section, you should provide a brief description of how you conducted your research. This includes information about the participants, the data collection methods, and the analysis techniques that you used.
  3. Summarize your key findings and results, highlighting the most important and relevant findings. This section should provide a brief summary of your key findings, emphasizing the most important results that emerged from your study. You should avoid including any irrelevant or unnecessary details.
  4. Discuss the implications of your findings and their potential impact on your field of study. This section should discuss the implications of your findings and their potential impact on the broader field of study. You should explain how your research advances knowledge in your field and how it may be used in future research.
  5. Conclude by stating your key recommendations and future research directions. The final sentence of your abstract should provide a brief conclusion that summarizes the main points of your study and highlights its significance. You should also include any recommendations for future research that may arise from your findings.

Abstract format for a dissertation: Summary 

The format of an abstract for a dissertation may vary depending on your university’s guidelines, but it typically includes the following sections:

  1. Background and Purpose of the Study
  2. Research methods
  3. Key findings and results
  4. Implications and future directions
  5. Conclusions

Abstract for a dissertation Samples

Here are student example abstracts for a dissertation:

Title: “Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Stress and Coping Mechanisms in College Students”

This dissertation examines the effects of a mindfulness-based intervention on stress and coping mechanisms in college students. The study employed a quasi-experimental design, with 100 participants randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group participated in an 8-week mindfulness-based intervention program, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The study measured stress levels and coping mechanisms of both groups using validated self-report measures before and after the intervention. Results showed a significant reduction in stress levels and improvement in coping mechanisms among the experimental group compared to the control group. The study provides evidence for the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress and improving coping mechanisms in college students. The findings have implications for the development of interventions aimed at promoting mental health and well-being among college students.

Title: The Effect of Music on Cognitive Performance in Older Adults

As the world population ages, there is an increasing interest in understanding how to maintain cognitive function in older adults. This study investigated whether music could enhance cognitive performance in this population. A total of 60 participants aged 65 and over completed a series of cognitive tests, with and without the presence of music. The results showed that the presence of music significantly improved performance on several cognitive tasks, including working memory and attention. These findings suggest that music may be a beneficial tool for enhancing cognitive function in older adults, potentially improving their quality of life.

Title: Understanding the Factors Contributing to Social Isolation Among Older Adults

Social isolation is a significant problem for many older adults, with potentially negative impacts on their mental and physical health. This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to social isolation among older adults. A total of 50 participants aged 65 and over were interviewed, and their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results showed that factors such as lack of transportation, health issues, and living alone were major contributors to social isolation. The findings from this study highlight the importance of addressing these factors in interventions designed to reduce social isolation among older adults.

Title: Investigating the Role of Microbiota in the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The human microbiota has been implicated in a range of physiological and pathological processes, including the development of the central nervous system. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology that remains poorly understood. This study investigated the role of microbiota in the development of ASD. A total of 50 children with ASD and 50 neurotypical controls were recruited and their microbiota were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed significant differences in the composition of microbiota between the two groups, suggesting a potential role for microbiota in the development of ASD.

Title: The Effects of a Mobile Learning Application on Student Motivation and Engagement

Mobile learning has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many educational institutions exploring the potential benefits of this technology for student learning. This study examined the effects of a mobile learning application on student motivation and engagement. A total of 100 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to either a mobile learning group or a traditional classroom group. Results showed that students in the mobile learning group reported significantly higher levels of motivation and engagement compared to those in the traditional classroom group. These findings suggest that mobile learning may be an effective tool for enhancing student engagement and motivation.

Title: Evaluating the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Firm Performance

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become an important aspect of business operations in recent years, with many firms seeking to integrate social and environmental considerations into their operations. This study evaluated the impact of CSR on firm performance. A total of 50 firms were analyzed using a panel data regression analysis, controlling for firm size and industry. Results showed a significant positive relationship between CSR and firm performance, suggesting that firms that engage in CSR activities may benefit financially in the long run. These findings have important implications for firms looking to improve their financial performance while also addressing social and environmental concerns.

Example abstract for a dissertation proposal

Title: “The Impact of Social Media on Body Image and Eating Behaviours in Adolescent Girls: A Mixed-Methods Study”

This dissertation proposal aims to investigate the impact of social media on body image and eating behaviours in adolescent girls. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews, to collect data from a sample of 500 adolescent girls aged 14-18. The quantitative component will explore the relationship between social media use, body dissatisfaction, and disordered eating behaviours, while the qualitative component will provide in-depth insights into girls’ experiences and perceptions of social media and its impact on body image and eating behaviours. The study has significant implications for the development of interventions aimed at promoting positive body image and healthy eating behaviours in adolescent girls.

Abstract for Dissertations FAQs

  • How long should an abstract be for a 10,000-word dissertation?

The length of an abstract for a 10,000-word dissertation should be around 150-300 words. However, you should check your university’s guidelines, as some may require a longer or shorter abstract.

  • Is an abstract necessary for a dissertation?

Yes, an abstract is necessary for a dissertation. It provides a concise summary of your research that allows readers to quickly determine if your dissertation is relevant to their interests and worth reading in full.

  • Where can I search for abstracts of a dissertation about information system?

If you’re searching for an abstract of a dissertation about information systems, you can use online databases such as ProQuest, EThOS, or Google Scholar to search for keywords related to your topic. You can also contact the author or the university library to request a copy of the abstract or the full dissertation.

  • Do you need an abstract for a dissertation proposal?

Yes, it is recommended to include an abstract in your dissertation proposal. It provides a concise summary of your proposed research and helps the reader to quickly determine if your proposed study is relevant to their interests and worth reading in full.

  • Can you use bullet points in a dissertation abstract?

It is generally not recommended to use bullet points in a dissertation abstract. An abstract should be written in complete sentences and should provide a concise summary of your research. While bullet points can be useful in other contexts, they may be seen as too informal for an academic abstract.

Author: Brawnywriter

My goal is to help students achieve their full potential by crafting well-written, well-researched, and original papers that will set them apart from their peers.