Which is more effective in promoting implicit and explicit memory: The method of vanishing cues or errorless learning without fading?

Abstract

Errorless learning without fading (ELWF) and the method of vanishing cues (MVC) have been widely researched in rehabilitation contexts, but little is known about their effectiveness relative to each other. With respect to explicit memory, it was hypothesised that the MVC can lead to better performance than ELWF for those with less severe memory difficulties, provided that it elicits effortful but successful study‐trial recall. This hypothesis was supported in two studies involving participants with less severe memory difficulties following acquired brain injuries, using free recall as the measure of explicit memory. With respect to implicit memory, it was suggested, on the basis of the transfer appropriate processing approach, that the relative effectiveness of the two methods will depend on the way in which memory is tested. Specifically, it was hypothesised that the MVC would be more effective than ELWF on a stem completion task, equally effective on a free association task, and less effective on a perceptual identification task. These hypotheses were supported in the two studies involving participants with brain injuries, and in two larger studies involving university students. The implications of these findings for the use of these methods in rehabilitation are discussed. It is argued that the MVC may be more effective when the task can be learnt explicitly, the learner retains significant explicit memory ability and the study‐trial recall is effortful but successful. With respect to implicit memory, one interpretation of the findings is that, in most practical contexts, neither method will have any intrinsic advantage, although ELWF may be preferable because it is more effective in eliminating errors. However, this suggestion is very tentative because of issues concerning the generalisability of the present findings, and further research is recommended.