Which characteristic of learning emphasizes that learning depends on a person's background and instructional methods?

The concept that emphasizes how learning is influenced by a person's background and the instructional methods used aligns with the understanding of individual learning styles. Learning styles acknowledge that individuals bring unique experiences, cultural perspectives, and preferences to the learning process, which can significantly affect how they absorb, process, and retain information.

Instructors who recognize and adapt to various learning styles can tailor their teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of their students, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the learning experience. This personalization is crucial because it affirms the idea that not all students learn in the same way.

In contrast, while the other options do address aspects of learning, they do not specifically highlight the influence of personal background and instructional strategies on the learning process as effectively as the concept of learning styles does. The result of experience focuses more on the outcomes of past learning rather than the ongoing process shaped by one’s background and instructional approaches. An active process emphasizes the role of engagement in learning, whereas purposeful defines the intent behind learning activities but doesn't directly address the influence of individual backgrounds and teaching methods.