Final answer:
The correct theory described in the question is Constructivism, which views knowledge as largely influenced by socio-historical constructs rather than being solely derived from empirical evidence or rationalism. Constructivism emphasizes the social aspects of knowledge creation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory in question is C. Constructivism, which posits that all forms of knowledge, or at least essential aspects of knowledge, are the consequence of socio-historical constructions. This means that instead of knowledge being solely based on empirical evidence or rational deductions, constructivism suggests that what we know is largely constructed through social interaction and cultural norms.
Empiricism is another epistemological view which suggests that knowledge comes only or primarily from sensory experience. Empirical methods are particularly valued in natural sciences, where observations and experiments shape our understanding of the world. However, the student's query about knowledge being a product of socio-historical processes is not captured by empiricism but rather through constructivism's lens. Unlike rationalism, which values reason above sensory experience, or positivism, which assumes a direct way to ascertain knowledge through facts, constructivism recognizes the intricate role that social factors and historical context play in shaping what individuals and societies come to know and believe.