The effect of genetic, environmental and cultural factors on learning Over the centuries many theorists, biologists, psychologists and socialists have theorized, experimented and offered explanations and approaches to one's interpretation of learning and development, based on many years of research. Furthermore, the argument of Naturevs. Education is central to their research, discoveries and beliefs. Before I start analyzing what factors influence learning and development, I need to establish and define what learning and development actually means. The questions I need to ask myself when researching this topic are: · What is learning and development? · Are they interconnected? · Do they have the same meaning/separate meaning? The answer in my broad opinion based on what I have read, is that the term "Learning" is a cognitive process of acquiring new concepts and skills, in order to complete a task which in turn increases knowledge and understanding of the thematic area to learn. Furthermore, individuals will be able to draw on past experiences to identify how a situation could be improved, and then with this knowledge make effective improvements. Furthermore, learning is influenced by the environment we find ourselves in, which is greatly reflected in our behavior. Furthermore, it is a continuous process throughout the human lifespan. In comparison, the term “development” refers to the biological process by which a human organism grows and functions throughout its lifespan. Development can be monitored by physical growth and a marked change in performance. which is usually associated with the prog...... middle of the article ......eene, A., Neaum, S. and Tallack,J. (2001) Babies and young children, 2nd edition, Nelson Thornes,Cheltenham.Cooke, J. & Williams, D (1985) Working with children's language,Winslow press.Green, S. (2002) BTEC National Early Years, Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham.Gross, R. (2001) The science of mind and behavior, 4th edition,Hodder & Stoughton, London.Jarvis, M. & Chandler,E. (2001) Angels of Child Psychology, NelsonThornes, Cheltenham.Karmen, T. (2000) Psychology for Childhood Studies, Hodder &Stoughton, London.Smith, Pk Cowie, H. & Blades, M (2003) Understanding Children'sDevelopment 4th edition Blackwell, London.Tassoni, P. & Beith, K. (2002) Diploma- Child Care and Education.Heinemann Childcare, Oxford.Appendices:Appendix 1 refers – Piaget's Developmental Stages.