Genes and environment have equal influence in learning for rich and poor kids, study finds

By Jeffrey Roth, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Florida. Two youngsters in a kindergarten classroom. A new study suggests that class may not affect their learning as much as previously believed. mangpoor2004/Shutterstock.com More than 40 years ago, psychologist Sandra Scarr put forth a provocative idea: that genetic influence on children’s cognitive abilities is linked to their family’s income.