Strong mnemonic prediction errors increase cognitive control, attention, and arousal.

Strong mnemonic prediction errors (MPEs) in 101 young adults increase cognitive control, attention, and arousal more than weak MPEs during an associative memory task.

• Why it matters: Understanding how the brain responds to prediction violations is crucial for insights into adaptive learning and memory processes, especially how control and attention are engaged when expectations are violated.
• What they did: The study used scalp electroencephalography and pupillometry to measure physiological responses in 101 participants performing a memory task, comparing the effects of strong versus weak MPEs on control, attention, and arousal indicators.
• The result: Strong MPEs elevated frontal theta, posterior alpha, and pupil size, which in turn promoted better learning of unexpected stimuli, revealing pathways for adaptive responses to prediction violations.