Levels of abstraction refer to the degree of detail or specificity in the way information is presented. In writing and communication, one can choose to present information at different levels of abstraction depending on the audience, purpose, and context of the communication.
At a high level of abstraction, information is presented in general terms and is often conceptual or theoretical in nature. This level of abstraction is useful when discussing broad ideas or when the details are not important or relevant.
At a low level of abstraction, information is presented in specific and concrete terms, providing detailed and often technical information. This level of abstraction is useful when discussing specific details or when precision is necessary.
Choosing the appropriate level of abstraction is an important consideration in effective communication, as it can impact the clarity, understanding, and effectiveness of the message.
A high level of abstraction for the vitamin C study could be: "Vitamin C boosts immune function in humans."
A medium level of abstraction could be: "Participants who took vitamin C supplements had significantly improved immune system function compared to those who did not take supplements."
A low level of abstraction could be: "Blood samples were taken from participants and analyzed using flow cytometry to measure the number and function of immune cells. Results showed that participants who took vitamin C supplements had significantly higher levels of circulating immune cells and increased function of these cells, compared to the control group."