Describes a study comparing the relative benefits of initial attendance at a two- or four-year college, focusing specifically on freshman-year changes in enjoyment of diversity and intellectual challenge, learning for self-understanding, internal locus of attribution for academic success, and preference for higher order cognitive activities.…

This study, part of the National Study of Student Learning, investigated the influence of differential exposure to postsecondary education, particularly the impact of type of institution, number of credit hours, and other factors on gains in critical thinking skills. the sample was 2,092 first-year students attending 13 four-year and 4 two-year…