When is an Abstract Written?
When is an Abstract Written?
An abstract is typically written after the completion of the perfect research paper or dissertation. It serves as a summary of the entire research work and is written to provide the readers with an overview of the research problem, methodology, results, and conclusions.
While it is typically written after the completion of the dissertation or thesis, it is also important to keep in mind the specific requirements of your institution. Some institutions may require you to submit an abstract as part of your dissertation proposal or during the early stages of the research process. Therefore, it’s important to check with your advisor or institution to determine when an abstract is required and what specific requirements they have for the abstract.
Structure and Contents of an Abstract
As a part of the dissertation proposal, the abstract contains everything that a dissertation contains, but in a compressed form. Most abstracts follow a basic structure that includes the following components:
- Background: The abstract should begin with a brief statement that provides background information on the topic of the dissertation. This may include a description of the research problem or question, the research context, and the significance of the study.
- Objectives: Next, the abstract should provide a clear statement of the research objectives or aims. This should outline the purpose and scope of the study, including any hypotheses or research questions that were addressed.
- Methodology: The abstract should also provide a brief description of the methodology or research approach used in the study. This may include a summary of the data collection and analysis methods, as well as any limitations or challenges that were encountered during the research process.
- Results: The abstract should provide a summary of the main findings of the study. This may include a description of any significant findings or patterns that emerged, as well as any conclusions that were drawn from the data.
- Conclusion: Finally, the abstract should provide a brief conclusion that summarizes the main points of the study and highlights its contributions to the field. This may include a discussion of any practical or theoretical implications of the research.
