Spontaneous memory retrieval varies based on familiarity with a spatial context

Spatial context can serve as a powerful cue for episodic memory. In daily life, we encounter locations varying in familiarity that may trigger different forms of memory retrieval. While previous research on autobiographical memory suggests that more familiar landmarks cue more detailed memories, theories such as cue overload predict that less familiar cues will more reliably trigger specific memory retrieval. It is therefore possible that more and less familiar cues will differentially elicit more generalized and specific memories, respectively. In this series of studies, we develop a novel paradigm for eliciting spontaneous memory retrieval based on real-world spatial contexts varying in familiarity. We found evidence that more familiar contexts generally lead to higher rates of spontaneous memory retrieval for semantic and generalized memories, but that episodic memories are more frequently retrieved for less familiar cues. These patterns demonstrate how related memories lead to the formation of more generalized representations over time, while memories with fewer associates remain episodic. We discuss these findings in relation to those obtained in a version of the study in which participants were instructed to retrieve thoughts. Together these findings provide novel insight into the dynamics of context familiarity and memory retrieval in a naturalistic autobiographical memory paradigm.