How would you best describe hallucinations?

Hallucinations are best described as experiences that occur without any corresponding external stimulus. This means that individuals perceive something that is not actually there in the environment. For example, someone might hear voices that others do not hear or see objects that are nonexistent. These experiences can be visual, auditory, or may involve other senses, and they are often vivid and compelling for the individual experiencing them.

Real-world examples include patients with certain mental health disorders, like schizophrenia, who may report hearing voices that provide commands or messages. This indicates that hallucinations are not merely distortions of reality but rather are experiences that the individual believes to be real, even though they lack a basis in the external world. Understanding this distinction is crucial in psychology, as it helps clarify the nature of hallucinations in clinical settings and their impact on a person's perception and behavior.