In some assignments, you need to start with an abstract, while in others, the introduction might be the very first thing that you need to write. However, their positions at the top of the assignment do not necessarily make them the same thing. Here, how different the two concepts are will be looked into.
What is an Abstract?
The abstract is a concise summary of an entire assignment paper that goes at the start of the assignment. It essentially works like the prologue of a novel. However, it is structured differently from the prologue.
So, what is its purpose? The purpose of writing an abstract is to help the readers quickly decide if the article is relevant to them or not. This purpose is even more well-understood in a dissertation paper.
The different sections of a dissertation, i.e., the aim and objective, research problem, rationale, methodology, findings, and conclusion, are all summarised in the abstract section.
Moreover, a typical abstract is about 200 to 300 words long. This means that all the sections of the dissertation are represented in the form of short snippets of what is to come. And this is the main idea to keep in mind when you consider how to write an abstract for a dissertation.
What is an Introduction?
An introduction to any assignment is the opening section. It sets the stage for the research, explaining the goal, the scope, and giving a slight preview of the content that follows.
In the case of a dissertation, it is essentially the section that provides the readers with insight into what the research will be about. Its primary purpose is to provide context to the research conducted, with concise background information on the subject matter and the rationale for conducting the research.
And in a dissertation or a thesis writing, there are certain key sections into which the introduction can be divided:
- Background of the Research
- Problem Statement
- Research Aim and Objectives
- Research Rationale
- Research Hypotheses
These sections will more or less be present in the introduction of any dissertation, with the order slightly changing depending on the format or the university-specific approach.
The typical length of an introduction can be considered as approximately 10% of the entire length of the dissertation. So, if you are writing an 18,000-word-long dissertation, your introduction will be of 1,800 words.
If you want to understand how an introduction can be written for a dissertation, look for any doctoral dissertation, and you’ll find a dissertation introduction example. This is true in most cases, as the format does not usually undergo major changes from one paper to another.
Abstract vs. Introduction: Key Differences
To identify the difference between abstract and introduction, let’s look into some of the key areas where their distinction can be visibly present.
1. Placement in the Document
Here, the first area is the placement in the document.
In a dissertation, the abstract usually appears as the third main page. It follows the title page and the acknowledgments sections. While the table of contents generally comes after the abstract. Alternatively, the introduction is the first written chapter of a dissertation, following the contents table.
2. The Level of Detail
The second area of difference will be the level of detail between the two sections. In the abstract section, since it is a concise overview, everything is noted down in the form of snippets, avoiding detailed explanations.
On the other hand, the introduction presents detailed explanations of its elements. This is primarily because the introduction requires specific research to go into it, while the abstract simply provides snippets into all sections.
3. Purpose and Reader Intent
The two sections are also present due to two very different purposes. The purpose of the abstract is for a quick scan. When the reader is scanning the abstract, their aim is not to gather key details, but rather to understand whether or not the content is relevant to them.
Meanwhile, the introduction is more than just a collection of light snippets. It is a lengthy overview of what led to the research being conducted, what its purpose is, and what the problem is that the research aims to solve.
4. Word Count and Structure
The word count of an abstract is 200-300 words, irrespective of the length of the overall dissertation. Meanwhile, the introduction comprises of 10% of the overall length, which shows that it is of a more significant length.
Now, about how each of them is structured, the structures are specifically designed to meet the reader’s intent. The abstract is comprised of small snippet previews of all the sections of the overall dissertation.
Meanwhile, the introduction is structured as a full chapter with sub-chapters. Each sub-chapter contains detailed information on the important sections that would need to go into this first chapter of the study.
Kickstart Your Dissertations with a Perfectly Written Abstract and Introduction
Abstract vs. Introduction: A Comparative Chart
Here is a simplified chart that explores all the key differences between an abstract and an introduction as a compiled list of key variables:
| Aspect | Abstract | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A concise summary of the entire research paper. | The opening section that provides background and context. |
| Purpose | To give readers a quick overview of the study’s aim, method, results, and conclusion. | To introduce the topic, explain why it matters, and outline objectives or hypotheses. |
| Placement | Appears at the very beginning of the paper (before the main text). | Appears at the start of the main text (after the abstract). |
| Length | Usually 200–300 words (depending on journal or institution). | Can range from a few paragraphs to several pages, depending on the paper’s depth. |
| Content Focus | Covers the entire research: problem, method, key findings, and conclusion. | Focuses on the background: topic overview, rationale, problem statement. |
| Reader’s Use | Helps readers quickly decide if the paper is relevant. | Helps readers understand the context and motivation behind the research. |
| Writing Style | Highly condensed, factual, and objective. | More detailed, engaging, and explanatory. |
Table: A Comparative Chart between Abstract and Introduction
How to Write Each Effectively
So, how to make the most of both sections in your dissertation paper? A simple approach to writing them both effectively with clarity can be the way to go.
Firstly, what are the tips to write a strong and eye-catching abstract? The primary approaches for this will include brevity, clarity, and the aim to cover all the sections of the dissertation paper.
Secondly, what are the tips to write an introduction that will be compelling to the readers? An introduction needs to hook the audience. Therefore, it should focus on developing the research background, as well as presenting a clear problem statement to proceed with.
When Each Matters the Most
When each matters the most is an important question to ask when starting a written dissertation. But it is also not always the correct question to ask.
In a dissertation, both the abstract and the introduction are very crucial sections. The former acts like a prologue to the entire dissertation, while the latter has the responsibility of the first chapter of a novel.
So, the former catches the attention of the reader, while the latter hooks the reader. In essence, both sections need to work together to grab and maintain the reader’s attention towards the entire thesis paper. Hence, both sections complement each other.
Summing Up
Abstract and introduction are both key sections of a dissertation write-up. The abstract is a snapshot of the whole study. Meanwhile, the introduction is the roadmap and rationale for the overall study. To conclude, both serve very different purposes, but are ultimately essential to the study.
Want to Effectively Learn How to Write an Abstract and an Introduction?
It is a simple endeavour. The first thing you have to do is review the submission guidelines. Or, sign on for an academic help platform.
These experts will aid you in understanding every step you need to take in framing the perfect dissertation paper, including writing an appropriate introduction and the perfect abstract to top it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of pages the introduction is in a dissertation depends on the total word count, as 10% of the total word count will be the introduction, which will dictate the overall number of pages.
The introduction in a dissertation generally starts with a brief overview of the subject matter. This overview then makes way into the background of the research.
The abstract is generally not in a Q&A format. Instead, it is divided into small paragraphs, all of which represent small snippets from different key sections of the entire study.
Yes. The abstract and the executive summary are different names given to the same section in a dissertation. The name you use depends on the submission guidelines or university thesis guidelines.
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