​​​This page details the formatting and requirements for abstracts that must follow the guidelines presented in the Saybrook Handbook of Format​ & Style​​. These guidelines​ apply to dissertations, but they may also apply to master's projects and theses. For standard student papers, check our webpage Introduction vs. Abstract​. 

Basic Formatting

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.

​Content Outline

​​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.

​​​​​​Abstract​​ Checklist

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. ​.