Multi‐document summarization of dissertation abstracts using a variable‐based framework
Shiyan Ou, Christopher S. G. Khoo, Dion Hoe‐Lian Goh · Proceedings of the American Society for Information Science and Technology · 2003
Abstract This paper reports initial work on developing a method for automatic construction of multi‐document summaries of sets of domain‐specific dissertation abstracts. A variable‐based framework for multi‐document summarization of dissertation abstracts in the field of sociology and psychology that makes use of the macro‐level and micro‐level discourse structure of dissertation abstracts as well as cross‐document structure is proposed. The micro‐level structure of problem statements found in a sample of 50 dissertation abstracts was analyzed, and the common features found are described. A list of indicator phrases that denote different aspects of the problem statements is provided.