Contextual Reasoning – Frequently Asked Questions
by Carl Romstad, M.S., ED.S.
Author of the Assessment of Nonverbal Contextual Reasoning (ANCR)
Published by Schoolhouse Educational Services, Inc.
- What is contextual reasoning?
A form of reasoning and problem solving more reliant on concrete and practical thinking and less reliant on mathematically abstract thinking and concept formation. - Could contextual reasoning be considered street-smarts?
The term “street-smarts” is often used to describe a person’s ability to solve real-life problems, but there is no widely accepted definition, making it challenging to establish a direct link between street-smarts and contextual reasoning; however, if street-smarts are seen as skills that depend on less abstract thinking and more on improvisation, then contextual reasoning could be considered a form of street-smarts. - What is the difference between contextual reasoning and more formal reasoning, when problem solving?
With contextual reasoning, the immediate relationship between symbols or artifacts in a situation or problem determines the solution. In contrast, with formal reasoning, the underlying symbolic and logical relationship between symbols or artifacts in a situation or problem will determine the solution. - Are spatial thinking and reasoning the same as contextual reasoning?
Although these two concepts share some similarities, they are not identical. Spatial thinking in problem-solving refers to the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space, with an emphasis on physical arrangements and spatial relationships. In contrast, contextual reasoning involves considering the broader context, such as situational, cultural, or external factors, that affect how solutions are implemented. - Can we measure contextual reasoning like we measure a person’s intelligence?
Yes. A recent new measure, the Assessment of Nonverbal Contextual Reasoning (ANCR), is available and used to measure this style of thinking and problem solving. It is not a measure of intelligence; rather, it is a measure of problem solving and situational logic. - Do people with strong contextual reasoning abilities have poor formal reasoning and abstract thinking abilities?
Strong contextual thinking and reasoning abilities do not necessarily imply stronger or weaker skills in other areas of thinking or processing. A person with advanced contextual reasoning might show weaknesses in formal reasoning or abstract thinking; however, it should not be assumed that strength in one area automatically correlates with weakness in another. - Why should we measure contextual reasoning?
The primary reason is that to fully assess a student or examinee, both formal and contextual reasoning must be evaluated. Incorporating contextual reasoning into a comprehensive assessment ensures a more complete evaluation. Also, past and current research indicates those who have demonstrated historic struggle with formally based assessments of cognition and problem solving demonstrate statistical and normatively balanced contextual reasoning abilities. This suggests that these abilities are of equal representation and significance across populations and cultures. As such, measuring these abilities is necessary to ensure equitable and fair practice. - What type of learning environment is ideal for one with dominant contextual reasoning abilities?
Stronger contextual reasoning abilities may favor more collective learning and peer-teaching environments. Project and problem-based learning methods are ideal for the contextual learner. Also, corrective feedback to teach these students, is ideal, per their cognitive nature. - Why was the Assessment of Nonverbal Contextual Reasoning (ANCR) created?
The ANCR was created when its author, Carl Romstad, observed that Hmong-American students were getting lower scores on standardized tests of abstract formal reasoning. Mr. Romstad also noticed stronger performance on test items which were lower in abstract thinking demand and higher in concrete contextualized thinking demand. The ANCR was written, standardized, and made available so that psychologists could measure the problem-solving abilities of all students from a contextual reasoning perspective. Currently, the ANCR is the only standardized measure of contextual reasoning and problem-solving abilities. What was the first standardized measure of contextual reasoning?
As of the spring of 2025, the first, and only, standardized measure of contextual reasoning was the Assessment of Nonverbal Contextual Reasoning (ANCR), published in 2025, by Carl Romstad, Ed.S, and Dr. Milton Dehn, Ed.D.- Is bricolage an ability related to contextual reasoning?
Yes. Bricolage is the use of an artifact in an atypical fashion to solve a problem or complete a task. It is also more reliant on improvisation as opposed to abstract thinking making it very contextual.
Follow this link for more information on the Assessment of Nonverbal Contextual Reasoning (ANCR)