Definition
The method of vanishing cues refers to a learning technique in which initial letters of words are provided as cues for the retrieval of to-be-learned information. Across successive learning trials, cues are gradually withdrawn or “vanished” until information can be retrieved in the absence of cues.
Historical Background
The method of vanishing cues, as a rehabilitation technique for people with memory disorders, was first reported in 1986 in two papers by Glisky et al. (1986a, b), which demonstrated that people with severe memory impairments were able to learn new computer vocabulary and write simple computer programs. Prior to that time, people with organic amnesia were known to be capable of learning a few discrete pieces of information but were thought to be incapable of acquiring new, complex knowledge of the sort that would be required to operate a computer. The method of vanishing cues was based on new findings at that time showing that amnesic patients were able to...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences and Readings
Glisky, E. L. (2004). Disorders of memory. In J. Ponsford (Ed.), Cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation: From neurobiology to clinical practice (pp. 100–128). New York: Guilford.
Glisky, E. L., & Glisky, M. L. (2002). Learning and memory impairments. In P. J. Eslinger (Ed.), Neuropsychological interventions: Clinical research and practice (pp. 137–162). New York: Guildford.
Glisky, E. L., Schacter, D. L., & Tulving, E. (1986a). Learning and retention of computer-related vocabulary in memory-impaired patients: Method of vanishing cues. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology, 8, 292–312.
Glisky, E. L., Schacter, D. L., & Tulving, E. (1986b). Computer learning by memory-impaired patients: Acquisition and retention of complex knowledge. Neuropsychologia, 24, 313–328.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this entry
Cite this entry
Glisky, E.L. (2018). Method of Vanishing Cues. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1101
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_1101
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences