AP Psychology Practice Test 2026 - Free AP Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Hallucinations are defined as false sensory experiences that occur in the absence of external stimuli. This means that individuals experiencing hallucinations perceive sights, sounds, or sensations that are not actually present in their environment. These experiences can involve hearing voices, seeing things that aren’t there, or feeling sensations on the skin. Hallucinations can occur in various contexts, including mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, severe stress, or substance use. This definition underscores the disconnection between perception and reality that is characteristic of hallucinations, distinguishing them from normal sensory perceptions that are based on actual stimuli present in the environment.