An analysis of high school seniors' consumer competencies in selected schools in the Rocky Mountain states /

Abstract

It has long been recognized that varying degrees of consumer competency exist among the general population. This study represents an attempt to compare consumer competencies of high school seniors in selected Rocky Mountain states. Areas of primary concern dealt with the comparison by states as well as by the size of school. Also included in the study were comparisons based on gender, race, and family income. Schools were chosen from eight states, and the chosen schools were classified in three categories based on enrollment figures for the entire school system. A fifty question consumer economics examination was given to a total of 751 high school seniors. This survey exposed a low comprehension of consumer knowledge for high school seniors. Indications are that the greatest discrepancies appear along racial lines. School size has a minor bearing on the subject according to this study, while state by state impact is only marginal.