Study Finds College Students Struggle With Common Complex Tasks

A January 20, 2006 article from The Associated Press reports that complex yet common tasks, such are analyzing credit card offers or comparing the price per ounce of different food brands, are difficult for many college students. According to a recent study, such tasks were beyond the skill level of more than half of the surveyed students at four-year colleges, and more than three-quarters of those at two-year colleges. However, the same students were able to successfully perform moderately challenging intermediate tasks, such as using a map or calculating the overall cost of office supplies. The study also found that, overall, college students demonstrate a significantly higher literacy rate than other adults across the nation.

The article is available at the MSNBC.com Web site.