USEFUL PHRASES

Useful phrases when writing a dissertation abstract

This section sets out some useful phrases that you can use and build on when writing your undergraduate or master's level dissertation abstract. As the section, How to structure your dissertation abstract explains, the abstract has a number of components, typically including: (a) study background and significance; (b) components of your research strategy; (c) findings; and (d) conclusions. The phrases below build on these four components.

COMPONENT #1
Build the background to the study

COMPONENT #2
Components of research strategy

We conducted...

in-depth case studies of [X number of private/public] enterprises in [country].

a laboratory experiment and a field study to test our hypotheses.

an inductive study of...

We employed...

multiple methods to test...

Using...

a sample of [X number of people, firms, data, objects, e.g., doctors, banks, songs], we collected data from three sources [e.g., X, Y and Z].

comparative case analysis, this research explored the role of...

To illustrate these ideas, [insert company name or type] was used as a case study to show how...

We tested these hypotheses using [e.g., student test score] data to measure [e.g., teacher performance].

We developed a 9-item scale to measure...

Using data from...

COMPONENT #3
Major findings

The findings from the research...

illustrate how...

show that the impact of [insert text] on [insert text] is more complex than previously thought/assumed.

address a controversial belief among practitioners that...

illustrate the antecedents and consequences of [insert text] and [insert text] in...

suggest that the effect of [variable X] on [variable Y] was moderated over time when...

A predicted, the...

Contrary to our expectations...

COMPONENT #4
Conclusion

The results, implications for managers, and future research are discussed.

Theoretical contributions and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.

The findings...

provide support for the key arguments.

support the prediction that...

support the model:

offer insights into...

prompt a re-thinking of [insert your area of interest]

We conclude that...

If you would like us to add more of these kinds of phrases, please leave us feedback.

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