Nikki Johnson’s abstract as a model

PARAGRAPH 1

• The problem/focus of research
• Findings of the research that answer the problem
• Thesis/outcome of the dialogue

PARAGRAPH 2

• shortcoming of existing research/approach
• how this project fills that void methodologically and substantively
• includes statement of research questions and the hope of PT dialogue between findings and tradition

PARAGRAPH 3

• summary of lit review
• implications of lit review; again highlighting the need for your research

PARAGRAPH 4

• summary of field research sources and findings
• how field research points back to central problem

PARAGRAPH 5

• description of PT dialogue and its outcome; restatement of the thesis now that it has been proven
• implications of the study for ministry practice