Some people reported seeing a face on the surface of Mars in data sent back from the Viking spacecraft that flew to Mars in 1976. Psychologists would suggest _____ as the MOST likely explanation for this interpretation
A) an instance of group hallucination
B) visual pareidolia
C) a visual illusion
D) an error in divided attention

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Visual pareidolia is the tendency for people to see meaningful images or patterns in random or vague stimuli. In this case, people may have interpreted the vague, rock formation on Mars as a face due to their tendency for visual pareidolia.

Some People Reported Seeing a Face on the Surface of Mars