Writing Resources

Here are the basic formatting requirements for abstracts. For a visual representation, please refer to the Dissertation Template.​​

• Paginate beginning with page ii and number subsequent pages sequentially.
• Double space all lines of the abstract, except for lines including the title of the work.
• Include the word Abstract centered at the top of the page.
• 2 double-spaced lines below the word Abstract, the title of the work is written centered and in all caps.
• 1 double-spaced line below the title, write the author's name
• 1 double-spaced line below the author's name, write Saybrook University.
• 2 double-spaced lines below the title, begin writing the text.
• The text of the abstract (not including the heading information detailed above) must meet one of the following word limits
  • 350 words for dissertations (extended to 400 for mixed methods)
  • 150 words for theses
• Include citations for citable statements and information.
• Embed key words in the text of the abstract. Do not list them separately at the end.

​​Empirical studies should contain four paragraphs using the outline presented below. Non-empirical studies should follow this format where possible and modify the format with the consent of your committee.

• Paragraph 1: Overview
  • Situate the research project in the subject domain.
  • Convey the purpose, focus, and problem area of the study.
  • Provide the research question(s) for the study.
  • Discuss the literature (major links to related research, or its absence).
• Paragraph 2: Methodology
  • Describe the method.
  • Explain the rationale for selecting the method.
  • List key demographic characteristics of research participants or other data sources.
  • Include key terms regarding the nature of the data, sampling, research design, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Paragraph 3: Findings
  • Present the chief findings directly relevant to the research purpose and question.
  • Include terminology to indicate the form of data analysis procedure used.
  • Include supplemental findings considered important for cross-referencing.
• Paragraph 4: Significance & Implications
  • Communicate the meaning, significance, contribution, and implications of the research.
  • Provide suggestions for further study.

Note that, for dissertations, paragraphs 1 & 2 can be written in the during the proposal phase while paragraphs 3 & 4 should be written prior to the final oral defense.

This Abstract Review Checklist is provided on page 18 of the Saybrook​ Handbook of Format & Style​. For dissertations, this checklist must be complete and approved by a Saybrook editor before submission to the Registrar's Office for publication.

Formatting

• Is it within the word count limit?
  • MA=150
  • PHD=350 (Mixed-Methods=400)
• ​Is it double-spaced?
• ​Is it in Times New Roman or similar serif font?
• ​Is it 12-point?
• Are paragraphs indented?
• Is the heading spaced correctly?
• Is the title capitalized?

Content

• ​Is the purpose, problem, or research question clearly stated?
• Are key concepts explained?
• Are the major links to existing research identified?
• Is the method(s) and rationale for its selection provided?
• Is the data source identified?
• Is the nature of the data identified?
• Is the method of data analysis identified?
• ​Are the results & conclusions clearly stated?
• Is the significance & contribution of the study clearly stated?
• Are reference citations used for citable statements and information?
• Is there a correct use of past and present tense?
• Is it coherent, concise, & specific?
• Does it report rather than evaluate the essential elements of the study?
• Are key terms embedded in the text, not listed separately?