Generalizing Reconsolidation: Spatial Context and Prediction Error

Activating a previously consolidated memory trace brings it back into a labile state where it mustthen undergo a re-stabilization process known as reconsolidation. During this process memoriesare susceptible to interference and may be updated with new information. In the studies showingthis effect in human episodic memory, the reconsolidation process has been triggered primarilyby using spatial context or prediction error manipulations to reactivate an established memory.However, these studies have produced conflicting results, showing both that spatial context isnecessary and sufficient to trigger reconsolidation and that prediction error is necessary andsufficient to trigger the process. We examined this conflict in two experiments, one investigatingthe role of context cues and another investigating the role of prediction error. In Experiment 1,spatial context triggered a reconsolidation process and prediction error was irrelevant. InExperiment 2, prediction error triggered reconsolidation, and spatial context cues were irrelevant.These findings replicate prior research but add to the puzzle concerning the roles of these twomeans of triggering reconsolidation.