How to Write an Abstract for a Master’s Dissertation
How to Write an Abstract for a Master’s Dissertation
An abstract is a concise summary of your entire dissertation, providing the reader with an overview of your research. It should highlight the main research question, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Here’s how to write an effective abstract for your master’s dissertation:
1. Start with the Research Problem
-
Purpose: Briefly introduce the research problem or the issue your dissertation addresses. This sets the context for your study.
-
Research Question: State the main research question or hypothesis you aimed to explore. This should be the central focus of your dissertation.
2. Summarize Your Methodology
-
Approach: In one or two sentences, describe the methods you used to conduct your research. Mention whether your study was qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods.
-
Data Collection: Provide a brief explanation of how you collected your data (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments) and the sample size or data sources.
3. Present Key Findings
-
Main Results: Summarize the most important findings of your research. Focus on the most significant data and results that directly answer your research question or hypotheses.
-
Implications: Highlight the implications of your findings. What do your results suggest about the research problem?
4. Conclude with Your Research’s Contribution
-
Significance: Briefly state the contribution your research makes to the field. How does it add to the existing body of knowledge? What are its practical or theoretical applications?
-
Future Research: If applicable, suggest areas for future research based on your findings.
5. Keep it Concise
-
An abstract typically ranges from 250 to 350 words. Stick to the key points and avoid unnecessary detail. The goal is to provide enough information to intrigue the reader without overwhelming them.
