I'll just start by saying that writing a good abstract is difficult.
Difficult and frustrating and humbling.
OK, and there you have all the reasons not to write an abstract.
In favor of writing an abstract, or at least trying to, are many factors.
I find that I'm often pushing these factors on those who resist writing the abstract.
First of all, there's the very obvious fact that you need an abstract.
Academic papers have abstracts. If you're writing an academic paper--especially a thesis or a dissertation--you need to have an abstract.
Secondly, the abstract helps the author see the overall structure of the work (the forest) instead of just the details (the trees).
Third, it only takes about an hour to write a draft of an abstract, so it's a good exercise.
Fourth, it's easy to get feedback on an abstract, even detailed feedback, in a way that you can't if you have a fifty page draft.
Fifth, the abstract helps the author see the overall structure. What? I said that already? Of course I did, but it's so important it bears repeating. Authors get lost in the details and lose sight of the general intention of their project, thereby wasting time and effort rather than moving towards the goal of completing the work.
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Seeking insightful perspectives on writing, dissertations, and projects in general.
About Me
- Dave
- I'd love to hear from you if you find what I say interesting or helpful or controversial. I like ideas. Got a question? Please ask.
More About Me
Since 2002 I've been working with dissertation writers and other scholars as a writing coach, dissertation coach and editor.
As coach or editor, I have helped over 70 scholars complete their dissertations at universities including Stanford, MIT, Johns Hopkins, the University of Michigan, and the University of California at Berkeley. In 2010, Routledge published The Universe of Design: Horst Rittel's Theories of Design and Planning, of which I was the second author.
As a coach, using my knowledge of philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, and design theories and methods, I help scholars develop a writing practice that carries them through the difficulties of the writing process.
As an editor, I work to help writers express their ideas clearly, which sometimes calls for a high-level examination of content and structure, and other times for meticulous attention to grammar and stylistic conventions.
I've written my own book for dissertation and thesis writers: Getting the Best of Your Dissertation. If you find this blog helpful, you'll probably like the book too.
I've also written a book for dissertation writers (and other early career scholars) about using literature in the process of designing a research project, and writing literature reviews: Literature Review and Research Design: A Guide to Effective Research Practice. If you're struggling with a writing project, contact me. I can help.
dave@thoughtclearing.com
As coach or editor, I have helped over 70 scholars complete their dissertations at universities including Stanford, MIT, Johns Hopkins, the University of Michigan, and the University of California at Berkeley. In 2010, Routledge published The Universe of Design: Horst Rittel's Theories of Design and Planning, of which I was the second author.
As a coach, using my knowledge of philosophy, psychology, cognitive science, and design theories and methods, I help scholars develop a writing practice that carries them through the difficulties of the writing process.
As an editor, I work to help writers express their ideas clearly, which sometimes calls for a high-level examination of content and structure, and other times for meticulous attention to grammar and stylistic conventions.
I've written my own book for dissertation and thesis writers: Getting the Best of Your Dissertation. If you find this blog helpful, you'll probably like the book too.
I've also written a book for dissertation writers (and other early career scholars) about using literature in the process of designing a research project, and writing literature reviews: Literature Review and Research Design: A Guide to Effective Research Practice. If you're struggling with a writing project, contact me. I can help.
dave@thoughtclearing.com
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