What premise does an environmental cause of a learning disability rely on?

• A. Genetic predisposition
• B. Social and economic factors
• C. Inborn physical traits
• D. Pragmatic language skills

Answer: (B)

The premise of an environmental cause of a learning disability fundamentally relies on social and economic factors. This perspective emphasizes that a child's learning abilities can be significantly influenced by their surroundings, including the socio-economic status of their family, access to educational resources, the quality of the learning environment, and the experiences they have during their formative years. For instance, children raised in impoverished conditions may have less access to books, educational materials, or stimulating experiences that promote cognitive development, which can contribute to learning disabilities.

This approach contrasts with other causes, like genetic predisposition or inborn physical traits, which indicate that learning disabilities could stem from biological factors rather than environmental conditions. By focusing on social and economic influences, this perspective highlights the importance of addressing external factors to support children with learning disabilities effectively.