What does this actually mean in concrete terms? I.e., what measurement could I make that would prove this true or false?
I have met and interviewed plenty of well educated, degreed individuals that couldn't find their way out of a problem no matter what help you provided them. It doesn't mean these are poorly educated or unintelligent people, just proves that a degree doesn't provided you with critical thinking or problem solving abilities. College only provides you the opportunity to develop these skills, which you can find in other places as well.