SOLVED. children's book (I think) - social experiment [s]

[Leila]

I read this book when I was in about 6th grade, 10-15 years ago. I've always wanted to find it again. I can't remember too much other than it was about some kids that, in the end, find out that they were unknowingly part of a psychological/social experiment, like lab rats being studied. I did a book report on it, loved it, and I remember my teacher telling me it seemed awfully dark for a children's book. No clue if it really is even a kids book. Wow, this is so vague. I think maybe they had to push buttons or do actions in order for them to get their food, too.
Thanks for any ideas you might have!

[Laura]

I definitely know what book this was -- I absolutely read it back in the 70s when I was a kid. I bet it will pop into my head later, but I sure someone gets it before then!

[Jessica]

Is this the one where they're trained to do things based on red and green lights, and then they're finally released and out on the street and a traffic light changes and they all start to dance as they did in the lab? Name is on the tip of my fingers.

[Jessica]

I just went a little nuts with the Google and think I found it, or at least the book I was thinking of: House of Stairs, by William Sleator. Not to be confused with The House of Stairs by Barbara Vine, which I also recall was very clever.

[Laura]

Yep, that was definitely it.

[rivka]

Drat! One I knew (because I had friends help me figure it out a few years ago), and I got here too late! ;)

It is a pretty freaky book, but quite good.

[Leila]

WOW! Thank you everyone!! I didn't expect anyone to know what the heck I was talking about.