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• Samenvatting (abstract) voor je scriptie (met voorbeeld)

Samenvatting (abstract) voor je scriptie | Met voorbeeld

Gepubliceerd op 22 november 2022 door Veronique Scharwächter en Lou Benders. Bijgewerkt op 1 mei 2023.

Je samenvatting of abstract is een korte weergave van je scriptie. Hierin wordt kort en bondig beschreven waar je scriptie over gaat, zodat je lezers precies weten wat ze ervan kunnen verwachten. De samenvatting is het eerste scriptie-onderdeel dat lezers lezen.

Samenvattingen mogen normaal gesproken niet langer zijn dan één pagina. Vaak schrijven universiteiten zelfs een limiet voor van maximaal 200 tot 300 woorden. Je plaatst de samenvatting na je titelpagina , informatiepagina of voorwoord en vóór je inhoudsopgave .

Inhoudsopgave

De drie functies van een samenvatting, inhoud van je samenvatting, taalgebruik en verwijzingen in je samenvatting, voorbeeld samenvatting van een scriptie, veelgestelde vragen over de samenvatting.

Je samenvatting schrijf je om:

• Je scriptie toe te lichten, zodat je potentiële lezers weten of de inhoud van jouw scriptie interessant is voor hen.
• Je scriptie in het kort te beschrijven voor lezers die geen tijd hebben om je volledige scriptie te lezen.
• Een overzicht te geven van je scriptie zodat je lezers weten wat ze ervan kunnen verwachten en zo je gehele scriptie beter kunnen begrijpen.

Ontvang feedback op taal, structuur, lay-out en bronvermelding

Professionele Scribbr-editors kijken je scriptie na op:

• Academisch taalgebruik
• Onduidelijke zinnen
• Grammaticale fouten
• Interpunctie
• Verboden woorden

Bekijk het voorbeeld

Je samenvatting is als het ware een miniversie van je scriptie, waarbij je alleen ingaat op de belangrijkste onderdelen. Deze miniscriptie moet een onafhankelijke tekst zijn, waarin alles wat je schrijft direct begrijpelijk is (zonder de scriptie of bepaalde bronnen te hoeven lezen).

Probeer je samenvatting in vijf alinea’s op te delen en houd rekening met onze tips om deze alinea’s zo kort en bondig mogelijk te houden:

1. Waarom en waarover je de scriptie hebt geschreven

• Ga in op de probleemstelling , doelstelling en belangrijkste onderzoeksvraag of hypothese .
• Houd het kort door direct in te gaan op je afgebakende onderwerp en alleen je hoofdvraag (en niet je deelvragen) te beschrijven.

2. Hoe je het onderzoek hebt uitgevoerd

• Beschrijf kort je methoden .
• Houd het kort door je methoden in maximaal 4 zinnen te beschrijven.

3. Wat uit je onderzoek is gebleken

• Som de belangrijkste resultaten op.
• Houd het kort door alleen in te gaan op de resultaten die relevant zijn voor de beantwoording van je hoofdvraag.

4. Wat je resultaten betekenen

• Presenteer je conclusie (oftewel het antwoord op je hoofdvraag).
• Houd het kort door alleen in te gaan op het antwoord op je hoofdvraag en specifiek aan te kondigen wat je conclusie is (bijv. “de conclusie is daarom…”).

5. (Indien aanwezig) Wat op basis hiervan relevant is voor je lezer of opdrachtgever om te weten

• Ga in op de belangrijkste onderdelen van je discussie , namelijk de beperkingen en suggesties voor vervolgonderzoek en/of je aanbevelingen .
• Houd het kort door maximaal 5 zinnen te schrijven over je beperkingen, suggesties voor vervolgonderzoek en aanbevelingen.

Blijf je moeite hebben met je alinea’s kort en bondig te verwoorden? Lees dan onze tips over het inkorten van je samenvatting .

Werkwoordstijden in je samenvatting

Je schrijft de samenvatting hoofdzakelijk in de tegenwoordige tijd en/of voltooid tegenwoordige tijd . Let op dat je hierin niet de toekomende tijd gebruikt; je hebt je onderzoek immers al uitgevoerd en je scriptie al geschreven.

Gebruik van afkortingen

Het moet mogelijk zijn je samenvatting te begrijpen zonder dat de rest van de scriptie te lezen. Schrijf daarom acroniemen en afkortingen bij het eerste gebruik in de samenvatting uit en introduceer ze later in de hoofdtekst opnieuw.

Introduceer alleen acroniemen of afkortingen in je samenvatting als je ze hierin vaker dan twee keer gebruikt of wanneer de afkortingen bekender zijn dan de uitgeschreven woorden.

Bronvermeldingen in je samenvatting

Als je gebruikmaakt van bronnen, dan moet je ook in de samenvatting referenties toevoegen. Je volgt hierbij de normale regels voor de bronvermelding . De kans is echter groot dat er geen bronvermeldingen in de samenvatting staan, omdat je hierin grotendeels je eigen bevindingen en onderzoek op een rijtje zet.

Verschillende non-profit-milieuorganisaties proberen de negatieve gevolgen van klimaatverandering tegen te gaan. Om dit te kunnen financieren zijn donaties nodig. Echter, in de huidige maatschappij neemt het aantal mensen dat doneert aan milieuorganisaties af, waardoor een financieringstekort is ontstaan. Om de werkzaamheden te kunnen voortzetten, is het noodzakelijk dat het aantal donaties verhoogd wordt.

Het doel van dit onderzoek is om te achterhalen hoe de donatie-intentie aan een milieuorganisatie verhoogd kan worden. Hiervoor is de volgende onderzoeksvraag opgesteld: In hoeverre heeft de sociale afstand tot de klimaatveranderingsslachtoffers in een donatiewervingsadvertentie van een milieuorganisatie invloed op de donatie-intentie? Sociale afstand is hierbij de mate waarin mensen ervaren dat ze bij dezelfde sociale groep (in-group) of bij een andere sociale groep (out-group) horen ten opzichte van de slachtoffers van klimaatverandering.

Om een antwoord te kunnen geven op de onderzoeksvraag is een experiment uitgevoerd waarvoor online vragenlijsten onder Nederlandse respondenten zijn verspreid. Respondenten zijn random verdeeld over twee condities, namelijk een grote en kleine sociale afstand. Deze twee groepen hebben een andere advertentie te zien gekregen op basis van deze indeling. Uit de antwoorden op de vragenlijsten bleek dat een grote sociale afstand tot een hogere donatie-intentie leidt dan een kleine sociale afstand. Dit duidt erop dat sociale afstand een invloed heeft op de donatie-intentie.

Op basis hiervan wordt aanbevolen om een grote sociale afstand in te zetten in donatie-wervingsadvertenties van milieuorganisaties omtrent klimaatverandering. Eventueel vervolgonderzoek zou zich kunnen richten op verschillende vormen van donatiewervingadvertenties omtrent klimaatverandering.

Dit voorbeeld downloaden

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Checklist: Samenvatting in je scriptie

De samenvatting is maximaal 1 A4.

De samenvatting staat na het voorwoord en voor de inhoudsopgave .

In de samenvatting zijn de juiste werkwoordstijden consistent gebruikt.

De doelstelling staat in de samenvatting.

De probleemstelling staat in de samenvatting.

De onderzoeksvragen of hypothesen staan in de samenvatting.

De methode en aanpak van het onderzoek zijn kort beschreven.

De belangrijkste resultaten zijn opgesomd.

De conclusie is gegeven (het antwoord op de onderzoeksvraag / probleemstelling ).

De resultaten zijn besproken en uitgelegd ( discussie ).

Suggesties voor vervolgonderzoek zijn gepresenteerd.

Eventuele aanbevelingen zijn kernachtig besproken.

De samenvatting maakt duidelijk waar de scriptie in grote lijnen over gaat (ook voor mensen zonder voorkennis).

Goed bezig!

Je samenvatting zit nu in ieder geval goed in elkaar. Gebruik ook de andere checklists om je scriptie nog beter te maken.

Doorgaans word je geacht een samenvatting te schrijven voor: een scriptie , proefschrift , onderzoekspaper (voor publicatie), een adviesrapport , implementatieplan en een stageverslag voor een onderzoeksstage .

Hulp nodig bij het samenvatten van je tekst? Gebruik Scribbrs samenvatter om gratis een handige samenvatting te maken.

Een abstract is simpelweg de Engelse benaming voor een samenvatting . Het enige verschil is dat een abstract vaak nog korter moet zijn dan een samenvatting (tussen de 150 en 300 woorden). Sommige opleidingen vragen ook van je om bij de abstract sleutelwoorden te plaatsen.

Je kunt je samenvatting of abstract inkorten door overbodige informatie te schrappen, te focussen op je eigen onderzoek (vermijd lange discussies over andere bronnen) en omslachtige en overdreven lange zinnen te vermijden.

In dit geval kun je de volgende stappen nemen om een goede samenvatting te schrijven:

• Schrijf per hoofdstuk (of onderdeel) 2 tot 3 zinnen die het hoofdstuk samenvatten.
• Plaats deze zinnen achter elkaar en lijm de tekst aan elkaar met verbindingswoorden .
• Lees de samenvatting nog eens door (en laat het doorlezen door een studiegenoot), vul informatie aan en verwijder overbodige informatie. Herschrijf hierna de tekst waar nodig.
• Voer de laatste wijzigingen door en laat eventueel je samenvatting nakijken door een Scribbr-editor.

Citeer dit Scribbr-artikel

Als je naar deze bron wilt verwijzen, kun je de bronvermelding kopiëren of op “Citeer dit Scribbr-artikel” klikken om de bronvermelding automatisch toe te voegen aan onze gratis Bronnengenerator.

Scharwächter, V. & Benders, L. (2023, 01 mei). Samenvatting (abstract) voor je scriptie | Met voorbeeld. Scribbr. Geraadpleegd op 16 december 2024, van https://www.scribbr.nl/scriptie-structuur/management-samenvatting-abstract-van-een-scriptie/

Wat vind jij van dit artikel?

Veronique Scharwächter

Andere studenten bekeken ook, je samenvatting in je scriptie inkorten, een goed voorwoord voor je scriptie | met voorbeeld, een onderzoeksopzet of onderzoeksplan opstellen (voorbeelden), wil jij zorgeloos je scriptie inleveren.

• How To Write A Thesis Abstract
• Writing guide

How to write a thesis abstract: Full guide with examples

Let professional writers deal with your paper, quickly and efficiently.

A thesis abstract is a brief summary of your graduate work that outlines your research and main findings. It’s a standalone section that comes right after the title page and before the table of contents. The abstract provides a quick overview of your study’s purpose, methods, key results, and conclusions.

A standard thesis abstract should be around 150–300 words long, or no more than 1 page. However, before you begin writing this section be sure to figure out the length requirements in your school.

An abstract of a thesis is the first section evaluators read and often the only part other researchers review to determine if your work is relevant to their studies. Since abstracts are indexed in academic databases, you need to communicate your outcomes in a way that shows the value of your thesis.

Read our guide to discover how to write a thesis abstract like a pro. You'll find clear step-by-step instructions and free examples that will help you create a strong overview.

Alternatively, you can download our sample thesis abstract layout to see how it’s structured. You can adjust the format according to your needs.

Table of contents

Key elements of a thesis abstract

Even though both thesis abstract and introduction chapter present research, they have different goals and format. While the thesis introduction sets up the background of your study, the abstract summarizes your entire paper along with your findings.

When writing your thesis abstract, make sure to include these crucial parts:

Research problem: describe your research question or hypothesis and explain why it’s important.

• Methods: briefly outline how you carried out your research.
• Findings: mention the most significant results of your study.
• Conclusions: share your main takeaways and their impact.
• Keywords: add 4-6 relevant terms that help others find your work in databases.

Note: Bear in mind that the formatting rules can vary greatly depending on your discipline, department, and even supervisor. Some schools might not require keywords, while others may ask for extra components. Be sure to discuss expectations with your advisor before starting a thesis abstract.

Need help with your thesis abstract? Rely on expert thesis writing services and get professional assistance. With years of experience across various academic fields, we can help you craft an abstract that will exceed your expectations. Whether you need a fresh perspective on your draft or guidance throughout the writing process, our professional team can help you make a strong academic impression.

How to write an abstract for a thesis: 5 steps

Here's a pro tip that will save you countless hours of revision: write an abstract last when the other parts of a thesis are complete. By then, you'll know exactly which findings matter most and how to report them.

Let us walk you through 5 essential steps on how to write an abstract for a thesis paper.

Step 1. Start with the purpose of your thesis

Begin your thesis abstract by quickly introducing the study's purpose. Your main task is to explain the "why" behind the months (or years!) of hard work.

Here’re the points you should cover:

• What problem or question are you addressing?
• Why is the issue important?
• What influence does your work have?

Use language that directly conveys the motivation behind your study.

“This thesis examines the impact of digital literacy on student performance in higher education.”

Tip: Keep it simple and direct. Clear language often makes a stronger impression than fancy words. Your goal is to make any reader, even those outside your field, understand why your research matters.

Step 2. Describe the methodology

Briefly outline how you carried out your study. This section of the thesis abstract should give readers enough detail to understand your approach without diving into every step. Your goal is to show that your methods were appropriate and thorough.

Include key details like:

• Research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods)
• Data collection methods (surveys, interviews, experiments, observations)
• Analysis tools (SPSS for statistical analysis, NVivo for qualitative data, Python for data processing)
• Sample size and characteristics ("200 undergraduate students" or "30 Fortune 500 companies")
• Timeframe if relevant ("longitudinal study over two years" or "data from 2020-2023")

“Using SPSS 26.0, we analyzed survey responses from 500 participants and conducted thematic analysis of 20 in-depth interviews through NVivo 12." "We performed content analysis on 50 academic journals using Leximancer, followed by manual coding."

Try to be selective. Only mention methods that directly relate to your main findings. Your thesis paper abstract isn't the place to list every research tool you tried.

Step 3. Share the core outcomes

A good abstract in a thesis should present the most important findings. But it’s essential to keep the balance. Stay on point, but don’t overwhelm readers with redundant numbers or statistics. Instead, consider the findings that would make someone want to read your full thesis.

Are there any significant patterns or trends? Have you discovered any unexpected results? Those are the points you may want to highlight in your thesis abstract.

"Students with higher digital literacy scores showed 30% better academic performance, particularly in online learning environments. The analysis showed a strong link (r=0.85) between consistent use of digital tools for learning and higher rates of course completion."

Step 4. State the main conclusion

Wrap up your thesis abstract by discussing the broader implications of your findings and the value of your contributions. Make sure your conclusions clearly link your results to practical or theoretical applications. Be straightforward and emphasize the significance of your work.

“These results suggest that digital literacy should be a priority in educational curricula to enhance student success.”

Finish the abstract on a strong note. The final sentences often receive extra attention from readers, so they should emphasize your research's real-world impact and leave a lasting impression.

Step 5. Include the keywords

While not all institutions require keywords in thesis abstracts, including them significantly increases your research's visibility. Keywords are vital for digital indexing in databases and library systems.

To make your thesis more discoverable, choose 4-6 keywords that capture the essence of your study. Select terms that:

• Represent your main research concepts
• Include field-specific terminology
• Reflect your methodology if distinctive
• Cover theoretical frameworks used.

For example, if your thesis examines digital literacy in education, your keywords might be: " digital literacy, higher education, academic success, student performance, mixed-methods research ".

Consider both broad and specific terms. While general terms like " higher education " help categorize your work, specific terms like " digital literacy assessment " help interested researchers find your precise topic.

Note: Check your field's standard terminology databases or thesauri (like Education Resources Information Center for education research) to ensure you're using recognized terms in your discipline.

Thesis abstract example

Let's look at some real-world thesis abstract examples that demonstrate how to approach each element. Pay attention to how information is structured in this sample.

This thesis examines how small retail businesses leverage social media marketing to drive growth in an increasingly digital marketplace. While social media's role in large corporate marketing is well-documented, its impact on small business success remains unclear. This study investigated 50 UK-based retail startups that launched during the post-pandemic period, analyzing their social media strategies and business performance metrics. The research employed a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of social media engagement data from Facebook and Instagram analytics with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews with business owners. Data analysis through Tableau and MAXQDA revealed that businesses allocating over 30% of their marketing budget to social media achieved 45% higher customer acquisition rates and 60% better retention rates compared to those with minimal social media presence. Content analysis identified key success factors: consistent brand messaging, customer interaction patterns, and strategic posting times. These findings provide practical guidelines for small business social media strategies and contribute to digital marketing literature by quantifying social media's impact on business growth metrics. The research suggests that targeted social media investment represents a critical growth driver for retail startups, particularly in establishing initial market presence. Keywords: social media marketing, retail startups, business growth, digital strategy, customer engagement

Thesis abstract writing tips

Follow these actionable guidelines when writing an abstract for a thesis:

Write in past tense for completed research.

• Use active voice for clarity (" We analyzed " rather than " It was analyzed ").
• Use technical jargon only when needed and define the terms in parentheses the first time they appear.
• Only include information that is covered in your thesis – don't introduce new findings or claims in the abstract.
• Present information in the same order as your thesis (introduction → methods → results → conclusions).
• Remove redundant phrases and background details.

Common mistakes to avoid when writing a thesis abstract

Let's explore common pitfalls researchers often encounter when writing thesis abstracts.

• Don’t include citations and references in your abstract, even when discussing foundational concepts. Even if your thesis builds directly on a specific method, mention it without citation.
• Keep background literature to a minimum. While context is important, limit it to 1-2 sentences that establish your study’s relevance.
• Be cautious with abbreviations and acronyms. Write out terms in full unless they're universally known in your field, such as DNA, HIV, or UNESCO.
• Avoid introducing new findings, interpretations, or discussing limitations and future research directions. Your abstract should reflect what you actually studied and discovered, not what you plan to investigate next.
• Avoid including tables, figures, or complex equations. Present numerical results in text form and use words to describe relationships or patterns.

Final thoughts on how to write an abstract for thesis

Writing a thesis abstract requires careful attention to detail and a clear understanding of your core message. Remember to review each sentence critically – if it doesn't add to the understanding of your work, it probably doesn't belong in your abstract. Your goal is to create a concise yet comprehensive snapshot that makes readers want to explore your full thesis.

• How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis
• Doing a PhD

What is a Thesis or Dissertation Abstract?

The Cambridge English Dictionary defines an abstract in academic writing as being “ a few sentences that give the main ideas in an article or a scientific paper ” and the Collins English Dictionary says “ an abstract of an article, document, or speech is a short piece of writing that gives the main points of it ”.

Whether you’re writing up your Master’s dissertation or PhD thesis, the abstract will be a key element of this document that you’ll want to make sure you give proper attention to.

What is the Purpose of an Abstract?

The aim of a thesis abstract is to give the reader a broad overview of what your research project was about and what you found that was novel, before he or she decides to read the entire thesis. The reality here though is that very few people will read the entire thesis, and not because they’re necessarily disinterested but because practically it’s too large a document for most people to have the time to read. The exception to this is your PhD examiner, however know that even they may not read the entire length of the document.

Some people may still skip to and read specific sections throughout your thesis such as the methodology, but the fact is that the abstract will be all that most read and will therefore be the section they base their opinions about your research on. In short, make sure you write a good, well-structured abstract.

How Long Should an Abstract Be?

If you’re a PhD student, having written your 100,000-word thesis, the abstract will be the 300 word summary included at the start of the thesis that succinctly explains the motivation for your study (i.e. why this research was needed), the main work you did (i.e. the focus of each chapter), what you found (the results) and concluding with how your research study contributed to new knowledge within your field.

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States of America, once famously said:

The point here is that it’s easier to talk open-endedly about a subject that you know a lot about than it is to condense the key points into a 10-minute speech; the same applies for an abstract. Three hundred words is not a lot of words which makes it even more difficult to condense three (or more) years of research into a coherent, interesting story.

What Makes a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

Whilst the abstract is one of the first sections in your PhD thesis, practically it’s probably the last aspect that you’ll ending up writing before sending the document to print. The reason being that you can’t write a summary about what you did, what you found and what it means until you’ve done the work.

A good abstract is one that can clearly explain to the reader in 300 words:

• What your research field actually is,
• What the gap in knowledge was in your field,
• The overarching aim and objectives of your PhD in response to these gaps,
• What methods you employed to achieve these,
• You key results and findings,
• How your work has added to further knowledge in your field of study.

Another way to think of this structure is:

• Introduction,
• Aims and objectives,
• Discussion,
• Conclusion.

Following this ‘formulaic’ approach to writing the abstract should hopefully make it a little easier to write but you can already see here that there’s a lot of information to convey in a very limited number of words.

How Do You Write a Good PhD Thesis Abstract?

The biggest challenge you’ll have is getting all the 6 points mentioned above across in your abstract within the limit of 300 words . Your particular university may give some leeway in going a few words over this but it’s good practice to keep within this; the art of succinctly getting your information across is an important skill for a researcher to have and one that you’ll be called on to use regularly as you write papers for peer review.

Keep It Concise

Every word in the abstract is important so make sure you focus on only the key elements of your research and the main outcomes and significance of your project that you want the reader to know about. You may have come across incidental findings during your research which could be interesting to discuss but this should not happen in the abstract as you simply don’t have enough words. Furthermore, make sure everything you talk about in your thesis is actually described in the main thesis.

Make a Unique Point Each Sentence

Keep the sentences short and to the point. Each sentence should give the reader new, useful information about your research so there’s no need to write out your project title again. Give yourself one or two sentences to introduce your subject area and set the context for your project. Then another sentence or two to explain the gap in the knowledge; there’s no need or expectation for you to include references in the abstract.

Explain Your Research

Some people prefer to write their overarching aim whilst others set out their research questions as they correspond to the structure of their thesis chapters; the approach you use is up to you, as long as the reader can understand what your dissertation or thesis had set out to achieve. Knowing this will help the reader better understand if your results help to answer the research questions or if further work is needed.

Keep It Factual

Keep the content of the abstract factual; that is to say that you should avoid bringing too much or any opinion into it, which inevitably can make the writing seem vague in the points you’re trying to get across and even lacking in structure.

Write, Edit and Then Rewrite

Spend suitable time editing your text, and if necessary, completely re-writing it. Show the abstract to others and ask them to explain what they understand about your research – are they able to explain back to you each of the 6 structure points, including why your project was needed, the research questions and results, and the impact it had on your research field? It’s important that you’re able to convey what new knowledge you contributed to your field but be mindful when writing your abstract that you don’t inadvertently overstate the conclusions, impact and significance of your work.

Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Examples

Perhaps the best way to understand how to write a thesis abstract is to look at examples of what makes a good and bad abstract.

Example of A Bad Abstract

Let’s start with an example of a bad thesis abstract:

In this project on “The Analysis of the Structural Integrity of 3D Printed Polymers for use in Aircraft”, my research looked at how 3D printing of materials can help the aviation industry in the manufacture of planes. Plane parts can be made at a lower cost using 3D printing and made lighter than traditional components. This project investigated the structural integrity of EBM manufactured components, which could revolutionise the aviation industry.

What Makes This a Bad Abstract

Hopefully you’ll have spotted some of the reasons this would be considered a poor abstract, not least because the author used up valuable words by repeating the lengthy title of the project in the abstract.

Working through our checklist of the 6 key points you want to convey to the reader:

• There has been an attempt to introduce the research area , albeit half-way through the abstract but it’s not clear if this is a materials science project about 3D printing or is it about aircraft design.
• There’s no explanation about where the gap in the knowledge is that this project attempted to address.
• We can see that this project was focussed on the topic of structural integrity of materials in aircraft but the actual research aims or objectives haven’t been defined.
• There’s no mention at all of what the author actually did to investigate structural integrity. For example was this an experimental study involving real aircraft, or something in the lab, computer simulations etc.
• The author also doesn’t tell us a single result of his research, let alone the key findings !
• There’s a bold claim in the last sentence of the abstract that this project could revolutionise the aviation industry, and this may well be the case, but based on the abstract alone there is no evidence to support this as it’s not even clear what the author did .

This is an extreme example but is a good way to illustrate just how unhelpful a poorly written abstract can be. At only 71 words long, it definitely hasn’t maximised the amount of information that could be presented and the what they have presented has lacked clarity and structure.

A final point to note is the use of the EBM acronym, which stands for Electron Beam Melting in the context of 3D printing; this is a niche acronym for the author to assume that the reader would know the meaning of. It’s best to avoid acronyms in your abstract all together even if it’s something that you might expect most people to know about, unless you specifically define the meaning first.

Example of A Good Abstract

Having seen an example of a bad thesis abstract, now lets look at an example of a good PhD thesis abstract written about the same (fictional) project:

Additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys has the potential to enable cheaper and lighter components to be produced with customised designs for use in aircraft engines. Whilst the proof-of-concept of these have been promising, the structural integrity of AM engine parts in response to full thrust and temperature variations is not clear.

The primary aim of this project was to determine the fracture modes and mechanisms of AM components designed for use in Boeing 747 engines. To achieve this an explicit finite element (FE) model was developed to simulate the environment and parameters that the engine is exposed to during flight. The FE model was validated using experimental data replicating the environmental parameters in a laboratory setting using ten AM engine components provided by the industry sponsor. The validated FE model was then used to investigate the extent of crack initiation and propagation as the environment parameters were adjusted.

This project was the first to investigate fracture patterns in AM titanium components used in aircraft engines; the key finding was that the presence of cavities within the structures due to errors in the printing process, significantly increased the risk of fracture. Secondly, the simulations showed that cracks formed within AM parts were more likely to worsen and lead to component failure at subzero temperatures when compared to conventionally manufactured parts. This has demonstrated an important safety concern which needs to be addressed before AM parts can be used in commercial aircraft.

What Makes This a Good Abstract

Having read this ‘good abstract’ you should have a much better understand about what the subject area is about, where the gap in the knowledge was, the aim of the project, the methods that were used, key results and finally the significance of these results. To break these points down further, from this good abstract we now know that:

• The research area is around additive manufacturing (i.e. 3D printing) of materials for use in aircraft.
• The gap in knowledge was how these materials will behave structural when used in aircraft engines.
• The aim was specifically to investigate how the components can fracture.
• The methods used to investigate this were a combination of computational and lab based experimental modelling.
• The key findings were the increased risk of fracture of these components due to the way they are manufactured.
• The significance of these findings were that it showed a potential risk of component failure that could comprise the safety of passengers and crew on the aircraft.

The abstract text has a much clearer flow through these different points in how it’s written and has made much better use of the available word count. Acronyms have even been used twice in this good abstract but they were clearly defined the first time they were introduced in the text so that there was no confusion about their meaning.

The abstract you write for your dissertation or thesis should succinctly explain to the reader why the work of your research was needed, what you did, what you found and what it means. Most people that come across your thesis, including any future employers, are likely to read only your abstract. Even just for this reason alone, it’s so important that you write the best abstract you can; this will not only convey your research effectively but also put you in the best light possible as a researcher.

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How to write an abstract for a thesis: A step-by-step guide

Writing an abstract for your thesis is an important step in your research journey. it is a concise summary of your entire thesis, giving readers a clear overview of your study. in this step-by-step guide, we will break down the process of writing a compelling abstract that effectively captures the essence of your thesis..

What is an abstract?

An abstract is a brief summary of your thesis that highlights the main points, key findings, and conclusions of your research. It allows readers to quickly understand the purpose and significance of your study without having to read the entire thesis.

Why is the abstract important?

The abstract is often the first section of your thesis that people read, so it plays a crucial role in capturing their attention and convincing them to continue reading. It also serves as a tool for indexing and searching, as search engines and academic databases often use the abstract to index and categorize theses.

Step 1: Understand the requirements

Before you start writing your abstract, carefully review the guidelines provided by your university or department. These guidelines usually outline the required length, formatting, and specific information that should be included. Make sure to follow them closely to ensure your abstract meets the necessary criteria.

Step 2: Identify the main components

In order to write an effective abstract, you need to identify the main components of your thesis that should be included. These typically consist of the problem statement, research objectives or questions, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. Take some time to summarize each of these components in a clear and concise manner.

• Problem statement: Define the issue your thesis addresses.
• Research objectives or questions: Outline the goals or questions your research aims to answer.
• Methodology: Briefly explain the methods and techniques used in your research.
• Key findings: Summarize the main findings or results of your study.
• Conclusions: Clearly state the conclusions you have drawn from your research.

Step 3: Write a compelling opening sentence

The opening sentence of your abstract should grab the reader’s attention and entice them to continue reading. It should clearly state the focus of your research and the significance of your findings. Consider using concise and impactful language to make your abstract stand out.

Step 4: Organize your thoughts

Once you have identified the main components and written a compelling opening sentence, it’s time to organize your thoughts. Create a logical flow that presents the key information in a coherent and structured manner. Consider arranging the components in the same order as they appear in your thesis to maintain consistency.

Step 5: Be concise and avoid unnecessary details

Remember that an abstract is a summary, so it should be concise and focused. Avoid including unnecessary details or background information that is not directly relevant to your main findings. Use clear and precise language to convey your message effectively.

Step 6: Proofread and revise

Writing a strong abstract requires careful proofreading and revision. Make sure to check for any grammatical or spelling errors, and ensure that your sentences flow smoothly. Read your abstract multiple times, seeking feedback from peers or advisors to improve its clarity and coherence.

Writing an abstract for your thesis may seem challenging, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can create an engaging summary that represents your research effectively. Remember to adhere to the guidelines provided by your university or department, and revise your abstract carefully. With a well-written abstract, you will be able to pique the interest of readers and highlight the significance of your thesis.

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How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis: Guide & Examples

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A dissertation abstract is a brief summary of a dissertation, typically between 150-300 words. It is a standalone piece of writing that gives the reader an overview of the main ideas and findings of the dissertation.

Generally, this section should include:

• Research problem and questions
• Research methodology
• Key findings and results
• Original contribution
• Practical or theoretical implications.

You need to write an excellent abstract for a dissertation or thesis, since it's the first thing a comitteee will review. Continue reading through to learn how to write a dissertation abstract. In this article, we will discuss its purpose, length, structure and writing steps. Moreover, for reference purposes, this article will include abstract examples for a dissertation and thesis and offer extra guidance on top of that.

In case you are in a hurry, feel free to buy dissertation from our professional writers. Our experts are qualified and have solid experience in writing Ph.D. academic works.

What Is a Dissertation Abstract?

Dissertation abstracts, by definition, are summaries of a thesis's content, usually between 200 and 300 words, used to inform readers about the contents of the study in a quick way. A thesis or dissertation abstract briefly overviews the entire thesis. Dissertation abstracts are found at the beginning of every study, providing the research recap, results, and conclusions. It usually goes right after your title page and before your dissertation table of contents . An abstract for a dissertation (alternatively called “précis” further in the article) should clearly state the main topic of your paper, its overall purpose, and any important research questions or findings. It should also contain any necessary keywords that direct readers to relevant information. In addition, it addresses any implications for further research that may stem from its field. Writing strong précis requires you to think carefully, as they are the critical components that attract readers to peruse your paper.

Purpose of a Dissertation or Thesis Abstract

The primary purpose of an abstract in a dissertation or thesis is to give readers a basic understanding of the completed work. Also, it should create an interest in the topic to motivate readers to read further. Writing an abstract for a dissertation is essential for many reasons: 

• Offers a summary and gives readers an overview of what they should expect from your study.
• Provides an opportunity to showcase the research done, highlighting its importance and impact.
• Identifies any unexplored research gaps to inform future studies and direct the current state of knowledge on the topic.

In general, an abstract of a thesis or a dissertation is a bridge between the research and potential readers.

What Makes a Good Abstract for a Dissertation?

Making a good dissertation abstract requires excellent organization and clarity of thought. Proper specimens must provide convincing arguments supporting your thesis. Writing an effective dissertation abstract requires students to be concise and write engagingly. Below is a list of things that makes it outstanding:

• Maintains clear and concise summary style
• Includes essential keywords for search engine optimization
• Accurately conveys the scope of the thesis
• Strictly adheres to the word count limit specified in your instructions
• Written from a third-person point of view
• Includes objectives, approach, and findings
• Uses simple language without jargon
• Avoids overgeneralized statements or vague claims.

How Long Should a Dissertation Abstract Be?

Abstracts should be long enough to convey the key points of every thesis, yet brief enough to capture readers' attention. A dissertation abstract length should typically be between 200-300 words, i.e., 1 page. But usually, length is indicated in the requirements. Remember that your primary goal here is to provide an engaging and informative thesis summary. Note that following the instructions and templates set forth by your university will ensure your thesis or dissertation abstract meets the writing criteria and adheres to all relevant standards.

Dissertation Abstract Structure

Dissertation abstracts can be organized in different ways and vary slightly depending on your work requirements. However, each abstract of a dissertation should incorporate elements like keywords, methods, results, and conclusions. The structure of a thesis or a dissertation abstract should account for the components included below:

• Title Accurately reflects the topic of your thesis.
• Introduction Provides an overview of your research, its purpose, and any relevant background information.
• Methods/ Approach Gives an outline of the methods used to conduct your research.
• Results Summarizes your findings.
• Conclusions Provides an overview of your research's accomplishments and implications.
• Keywords Includes keywords that accurately describe your thesis.

Below is an example that shows how a dissertation abstract looks, how to structure it and where each part is located. Use this template to organize your own summary. 

Things to Consider Before Writing a Dissertation Abstract

There are several things you should do beforehand in order to write a good abstract for a dissertation or thesis. They include:

• Reviewing set requirements and making sure you clearly understand the expectations
• Reading other research works to get an idea of what to include in yours
• Writing a few drafts before submitting your final version, which will ensure that it's in the best state possible.

Write an Abstract for a Dissertation Last

Remember, it's advisable to write an abstract for a thesis paper or dissertation last. Even though it’s always located in the beginning of the work, nevertheless, it should be written last. This way, your summary will be more accurate because the main argument and conclusions are already known when the work is mostly finished - it is incomparably easier to write a dissertation abstract after completing your thesis. Additionally, you should write it last because the contents and scope of the thesis may have changed during the writing process. So, create your dissertation abstract as a last step to help ensure that it precisely reflects the content of your project.

Carefully Read Requirements

Writing dissertation abstracts requires careful attention to details and adherence to writing requirements. Refer to the rubric or guidelines that you were presented with to identify aspects to keep in mind and important elements, such as correct length and writing style, and then make sure to comprehensively include them. Careful consideration of these requirements ensures that your writing meets every criterion and standard provided by your supervisor to increase the chances that your master's thesis is accepted and approved.   

Choose the Right Type of Dissertation Abstracts

Before starting to write a dissertation or thesis abstract you should choose the appropriate type. Several options are available, and it is essential to pick one that best suits your dissertation's subject. Depending on their purpose, there exist 3 types of dissertation abstracts: 

• Informative
• Descriptive

Informative one offers readers a concise overview of your research, its purpose, and any relevant background information. Additionally, this type includes brief summaries of all results and dissertation conclusions .  A descriptive abstract in a dissertation or thesis provides a quick overview of the research, but it doesn't incorporate any evaluation or analysis because it only offers a snapshot of the study and makes no claims.

Critical abstract gives readers an in-depth overview of the research and include an evaluative component. This means that this type also summarizes and analyzes research data, discusses implications, and makes claims about the achievements of your study. In addition, it examines the research data and recounts its implications. 

Choose the correct type of dissertation abstract to ensure that it meets your paper’s demands.

How to Write an Abstract for a Dissertation or Thesis?

Writing a good abstract for a dissertation or thesis is essential as it provides a brief overview of the completed research. So, how to write a dissertation abstract? First of all, the right approach is dictated by an institution's specific requirements. However, a basic structure should include the title, an introduction to your topic, research methodology, findings, and conclusions. Composing noteworthy precis allows you to flaunt your capabilities and grants readers a concise glimpse of the research. Doing this can make an immense impact on those reviewing your paper.

1. Identify the Purpose of Your Study

An abstract for thesis paper or dissertation is mainly dependent on the purpose of your study. Students need to identify all goals and objectives of their research before writing their précis - the reason being to ensure that the investigation’s progress and all its consequent findings are described simply and intelligibly. Additionally, one should provide some background information about their study. A short general description helps your reader acknowledge and connect with the research question. But don’t dive too deep into details, since more details are provided when writing a dissertation introduction . Scholars should write every dissertation abstract accurately and in a coherent way to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the area. This is the first section that potential readers will see, and it should serve as a precise overview of an entire document. Therefore, researchers writing abstracts of a thesis or dissertation should do it with great care and attention to details.

2. Discuss Methodology

A writer needs to elaborate on their methodological approach in an abstract of PhD dissertation since it acts as a brief summary of a whole research and should include an explanation of all methods used there. Dissertation and thesis abstracts discuss the research methodology by providing information sufficient enough to understand the underlying research question, data collection methods, and approach employed. Additionally, they should explain the analysis or interpretation of the data. This will help readers to gain a much better understanding of the research process and allow them to evaluate the data quality. Mention whether your methodology is quantitative or qualitative since this information is essential for readers to grasp your study's context and scope. Additionally, comment on the sources used and any other evidence collected. Furthermore, explain why you chose the method in the first place. All in all, addressing methodology is a crucial part of writing abstracts of a thesis or dissertation, as it will allow people to understand exactly how you arrived at your conclusions.

3. Describe the Key Results

Write your abstract for dissertation in a way that includes an overview of the research problem, your proposed solution, and any limitations or constraints you faced. Students need to briefly and clearly describe all key findings from the research. You must ensure that the results mentioned in an abstract of a thesis or dissertation are supported with evidence from body chapters.  Write about any crucial trends or patterns that emerged from the study. They should be discussed in detail, as this information can often provide valuable insight into your topic. Be sure to include any correlations or relationships found as a result of the study. Correlation, in this context, refers to any association between two or more variables.  Finally, write about any implications or conclusions drawn from your results: this is an essential element when writing an abstract for dissertation since it allows readers to firmly comprehend the study’s significance.

4. Summarize an Abstract for a Dissertation

Knowing how to write an abstract for dissertation is critical in conveying your work to a broad audience. Summarizing can be challenging (since precis is a summary in itself), but it is an essential part of any successful work. So, as a final step, conclude this section with a brief overview of the topic, outline the course of your research and its main results, and answer the paper’s central question.  Summarizing an abstract of your dissertation is done to give readers a succinct impression of the entire paper, making an accurate and concise overview of all its key points and consequent conclusions. In every PhD dissertation abstract , wrap up its summary by addressing any unanswered questions and discussing any potential implications of the research.

How to Format an Abstract in Dissertation

Format depends on the style (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago), which varies according to your subject's discipline. Style to use is usually mentioned in the instructions, and students should follow them closely to ensure formatting accuracy. These styles have guidelines that inform you about the formatting of titles, headings and subheadings, margins, page numbers, abstracts, and tell what font size and family or line spacing are required. Using a consistent formatting style ensures proper readability and might even influence paper’s overall structure. Another formatting concern to consider when writing dissertation and thesis abstracts is their layout. Most commonly, your paper should have a one-inch margin on all sides with double spacing. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the right guidelines to get the correct information on how to write dissertation abstract in APA format and ensure that it meets formatting standards.

Keywords in a Dissertation Abstract

When writing thesis abstracts, it is essential to include keywords. Keywords are phrases or words that help readers identify main topics of your paper and make it easier for them to find any information they need. Keywords should usually be placed at the end of a dissertation abstract and written in italics. In addition, include keywords that represent your paper's primary research interests and topics. Lastly, use keywords throughout your thesis to ensure that your précis accurately reflect an entire paper's content.

Thesis and Dissertation Abstract Examples

When writing, checking out thesis and dissertation abstracts examples from experts can provide a valuable reference point for structuring and formatting your own précis. When searching for an excellent sample template, engaging the assistance of a professional writer can be highly beneficial. Their expertise and knowledge offer helpful insight into creating an exemplary document that exceeds all expectations. Examples of dissertation abstracts from different topics are commonly available in scholarly journals and websites. We also encourage you to go and search your university or other local library catalogue -  multiple useful samples can surely be found there. From our part, we will attach 2 free examples for inspiration.

Dissertation abstract example

Thesis abstract example

Need a custom summary or a whole work? Contact StudyCrumb and get proficient assistance with PhD writing or dissertation proposal help .

Extra Tips on Writing a Dissertation Abstract

Writing a dissertation or PhD thesis abstract is not an easy task. You must ensure that it accurately reflects your paper's content. In this context, we will provide top-class tips on how to write an abstract in a dissertation or thesis for you to succeed. Combined with an example of a dissertation abstract above, you can rest assured that you'll do everything correctly. Below are extra tips on how to write a thesis abstract:

• Keep it concise, not lengthy - around 300 words.
• Focus on the “what”, “why”, “how”, and “so what” of your research.
• Be specific and concrete: avoid generalization.
• Use simple language: précis should be easy to understand for readers unfamiliar with your topic.
• Provide enough relevant information so your readers can grasp a main idea without necessarily reading your paper in its entirety.
• Write and edit your abstract several times until every sentence is clear and concise.
• Verify accuracy: make sure that précis reflect your content precisely.

Bottom Line on How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Abstract

The bottom line when it comes to how to write a dissertation abstract is that you basically need to mirror your study's essence on a much lower scale. Specifically, students should keep their précis concise, use simple language, include relevant information, and write several drafts. Don't forget to review your précis and make sure they are precise enough. In addition, make sure to include all keywords so readers can find your paper quickly. You are encouraged to examine several sample dissertation abstracts to understand how to write your own.

Are you still struggling with your abstract? Contact our dissertation writing service and our qualified writers will gladly help you with this uneasy task. They will make sure it is delivered strictly on time and meets all requirements!  

FAQ About Dissertation Abstract Writing

1. why is a dissertation abstract important.

Dissertation abstracts are important because they give readers a brief overview of your research. They succinctly introduce critical information and study’s key points to help readers decide if reading your thesis is worth their time. During indexing, an abstract allows categorizing and filtering papers through keyword searches. Consequently, this helps readers to easily find your paper when searching for information on a specific topic.

2. When should I write an abstract for a dissertation or thesis?

You are supposed to write a dissertation or thesis abstract after completing research and finishing work on your paper. This way, you can write précis that accurately reflects all necessary information without missing any important details. Writing your thesis précis last also lets you provide the right keywords to help readers find your dissertation.

3. What should a dissertation abstract include?

A dissertation abstract should include a research problem, goals and objectives, methods, results, and study implications. Ensure that you incorporate enough information so readers can get an idea of your thesis's content without reading it through. Use relevant keywords to ensure readers can easily find your paper when searching for information on a specific topic.

4. How to write a strong dissertation abstract?

To write a strong abstract for a dissertation, you should state your research problem, write in an active voice, use simple language, and provide relevant information. Additionally, write and edit your précis several times until it is clear and concise, and verify that it accurately mirrors your paper’s content. Reviewing several samples is also helpful for understanding how to write your own.

Joe Eckel is an expert on Dissertations writing. He makes sure that each student gets precious insights on composing A-grade academic writing.

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Hoe schrijf ik een goed abstract?

Op deze pagina, kenmerken van een goed abstract.

• Taalgebruik & woordkeuze

Voorbeelden

Een abstract is een samenvatting van een 'wetenschappelijk' werk. Het somt de belangrijkste zaken op en beschrijft kort de inhoud en het bereik van je scriptie.

Waarom moet ik een abstract maken?

Dankzij een abstract kan je snel de belangrijkste inhoud en soms methodes van een werkstuk doornemen. Zo kan de lezer beslissen of het werkstuk interessant is voor hem of haar. Het gebruik van trefwoorden in een abstract is belangrijk, want zo komt jouw werk via een web search snel naar boven.

Wat staat er gewoonlijk in een abstract?

• de titel van de scriptie • de naam van de auteur • de datum van de scriptie • de plaats waar de scriptie is ingediend of gepubliceerd • het hoofdthema van de scriptie • het doel van de scriptie • de gebruikte onderzoeksmethodes • verdere indeling binnen de scriptie • resultaten, conclusies, of aanbevelingen

Een goed abstract bestaat vaak uit één of meer uitgebreide paragrafen die de scriptie samenvatten in chronologische volgorde. Het geheel maakt gebruik van de structuur "inleiding, midden, conclusie". Zo worden het doel, de resultaten, de besluiten en de aanbevelingen allemaal voorgesteld.

De stappen voor het schrijven van een goed abstract

Om een goed abstract te schrijven volg je best deze stappen:

• schrijf je abstract nadat je je scriptie geschreven hebt • bepaal de doelen, methodes, bereik, resultaten, conclusies, en aanbevelingen van je scriptie in trefwoorden • gebruik je titels en inhoudstafel als gids voor je abstract • gebruik na het schrijven een spellingschecker • laat je abstract eens lezen door iemand die je scriptie niet gelezen heeft en vraag hem of haar of je abstract logisch verloopt

Lengte van een abstract

Een belangrijk kenmerk van een abstract is dat het een beknopte tekst is. 150 à 350 woorden zou voldoende moeten zijn voor een abstract voor een bachelor- of masterscriptie, maar dit vraag je best aan je promotor.

Een eenvoudige structuur voor je abstract

Een korte abstract kan bestaan uit één enkele paragraaf. Of je kan de abstract indelen in korte paragrafen:

• Eerste paragraaf: waarover gaat de scriptie, geef een eenvoudige beschrijving van de doelen en methodes
• Tweede paragraaf: geef uitleg over de scriptiestructuur en vertel iets over de inhoud
• Derde paragraaf: het besluit, met een kort overzicht van de resultaten

Titels van abstract en scriptie

De titels van een abstract en een scriptie hou je best zo kort en aantrekkelijk mogelijk en to the point . Er zijn eenvoudige regels voor het gebruik van hoofdletters in titels, hoofdingen en ondertitels in het Engels, ook voor titels van abstracten en scripties:

• hoofdingen en ondertitels mogen niet eindigen met een punt • gebruik geen aanhalingstekens bij hoofdingen en ondertitels • het eerste en laatste woord dient altijd met hoofdletter geschreven te worden • geen hoofdletters voor lidwoorden (de, het, een), voorzetsels (voor, van met, over, enz.), of voegwoorden (en, of, noch, enz.) • gebruik een hoofdletter voor zelfstandige naamwoorden, werkwoorden (zelfs korte zoals Is), bijwoorden, adjectieven, onderschikkende voegwoorden (Alhoewel, Want, enz.) en voornaamwoorden (Hij, Hun, enz.)

Taalgebruik & woordkeuze in je abstract

Verdere woordenschat, scriptietitels.

• The Use of Abstracts in International Contexts: A Comparative Study
• Personnel Management in European IT Companies, with Particular Reference to McElroy Ltd, Dublin
• The Development of Glass Fibre Technologies at Bond AG, Munich

Het gebruik van “with Particular Reference to” is een goede vertaling van het Nederlandse "met betrekking tot" dat vaak gebruikt wordt in scriptietitels. Je kan ook gewoon een voorzetsel gebruiken zoals ‘at’ of ‘in’: The Introduction of RFID Technology in the University Library at UAS Wildau.

Abstracttitel en abstract

Auteur: Greg Bond, februari 2009

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