By the time you write the abstract of your thesis or dissertation, you will need to have completed your study, finalised your results, and appreciated the implications of your findings.
And you’re probably exhausted.
However, academic formatting styles provide valuable guidance on the content and format of the abstract. These should help you over the finish line!
The APA 7 formatting style requires that your abstract be no longer than 250 words. It is placed proudly on its own page, in a single paragraph, under the heading “Abstract”, which is centred.
Then you need to write one or two brief sentences on each of the following:
First, the main aspect of the associated Research Literature; second, your Research Problem and Hypothesis/hypotheses (if applicable); third, your Study Method including your research design, sample size, materials/measurement instruments, outcome measures, procedures for gathering your data, and main analysis; fourth, your main Findings including their significance and effect size (if applicable); and fifth, the main implications or significance of your Conclusions.
Finally, add three to five Keywords (words or phrases) beneath your abstract. These should capture the essence of your research as they are used for indexing and thus helping others find your abstract in searches.
It’s really worth the effort to craft an exquisite abstract. After all, your abstract will be the focus of attention for most of your future readers.
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