Final answer:
Social constructivism is the correct answer to the question, as it pertains to the notion that thinking is influenced by social and physical contexts rather than being an internal, individual process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept referring to the idea that thinking is located in social and physical contexts, and not merely within an individual's mind, is known as social constructivism. This theory emphasizes that our cognitive processes are shaped by our social interactions and the communities we are part of. Cognitive psychology, which is the study of human cognition or thinking, aligns with the idea of social constructivism by acknowledging that cognition is influenced by social and environmental factors.
Constructivism suggests that we create reality based on our interactions with others, forming social constructs that are maintained by widely accepted meanings within society. This concept is embedded in our understanding of social norms, values, and even the perception of deviance, as these are all understood through a collectively built and maintained social reality. In fields such as history, understanding the social construction of reality helps us to grasp the social context and perceived roles that have shaped societal development and personal beliefs, such as the importance of education.
Social constructivism is the framework that posits thinking is rooted in the broader social and physical environment, rather than confined to the individual's mind.