Dissertation Abstract

A dissertation abstract is one of the most misunderstood, highly overlooked, and difficult parts of a dissertation for many students to conquer. Yet, in reality, a dissertation abstract is relatively easy to write. College students read dissertation abstracts regularly without realizing that they are doing so. As part of the research for many of the papers that a student will be required to write in college, that student will peruse dozens, maybe hundreds, of abstracts, including dissertation abstracts. Reading these abstracts thoroughly will give students a good idea about what purpose dissertation abstracts serve and how to write them.

A dissertation abstract serves as a short summary of a research paper. Although they appear at the beginning of a research paper, dissertation abstracts are usually the last part of the paper that is written. This is because it is nearly impossible to write a summary of a document that has not yet been written.

The dissertation abstract is rarely more than one or two paragraphs of text which summarizes the results of the dissertation. It generally also includes the thesis of the dissertation. Dissertation abstracts are found in journals, journal article and dissertation listings, and they are sometimes included in a job applicant’s curriculum vitae or resume. The dissertation abstract serves as a brief summary of the dissertation which helps readers and researchers determine if the entire paper is something they need, or want, to read.

Although some dissertation abstracts can be up to two pages long, the shorter the better. When preparing a dissertation for a journal or for use on a CV, it is advisable to limit the abstract to no more than 500 words. Dissertation abstracts should also make use of keywords. Keywords are words or phrases that a student or researcher might use to search within a database for a dissertation pertinent to their own studies.

For instance, if a dissertation is about the use of drugs on college campuses, the dissertation abstract should make use of keywords such as “drugs,” “college,” “drug use,” “drugs on campus,” and other words and phrases which pertain to the topic. One way a student can make sure that he or she uses the right keywords and keyword phrases is to think about what words and phrases he or she might use to find a similar dissertation.

Although, it is difficult to summarize what is often a dissertation of a hundred or more pages into a few short paragraphs, it is important to write a thorough dissertation abstract that is truly representative of the dissertation study. Since dissertation abstracts serve so many important functions, there is no doubt students should pay particular attention to creating the best abstract possible.

Download a Paper from our Database   |   Order a One-of-a-Kind, Custom-written Paper

Related posts:
  1. Thesis Abstract  -  A thesis abstract is a brief but comprehensive summary of an undergraduate or graduate thesis—a long and original research-based document. Thesis abstracts are presented at...
  2. Research Paper Abstract  -  A research paper abstract is often an integral part of a research paper writing assignments. Not all students will need to write abstracts; however, when...
  3. Abstract Research Papers  -  An abstract research paper is a scholarly academic writing that requires students to gather, analyze, and synthesize information about a particular topic. Unlike an essay...
  4. Dissertation Abstracts International  -  Dissertation Abstracts International, also known as DAI, is an electronic database of graduate theses and dissertations. Most North American institutions of higher learning, and some...
  5. Dissertation Format  -  A dissertation is an original, usually book-length research document written by a doctoral student in the student’s area of study. Dissertations are typically required to...


Premium Papers for Sale Involving "Dissertation Abstract"

Paper Title  :Dissertation Writing
Summary  :Compares and contrasts two examples of dissertation writing.
Information  :690 words, 2 bibliography sources, academic APA citation style  →  $23.95
Paper Title  :Mathematics Education Dissertations
Summary  :This paper describes two distinct mathematics education dissertations.
Information  :2250 words, 2 bibliography sources, academic citation style  →  $89.95
Paper Title  :Abstract Artists
Summary  :A review of abstract artists Georgia O'Keeffe and Ronnie Landfield.
Information  :675 words, 4 bibliography sources, academic citation style  →  $26.95
Paper Title  :John Locke's Philosophy of Abstract Ideas
Summary  :This essay explicitly defines John Locke's philosophy of abstract ideas.
Information  :2119 words, 6 bibliography sources, academic APA citation style  →  $66.95
Paper Title  :Research Methodology
Summary  :This paper discusses the use of research methodology at the dissertation level.
Information  :4050 words, 19 bibliography sources, academic citation style  →  $160.95

Tags:  , , , , , , , , , , ,

« Dissertation Committee    |    Dissertation Chapter »