"Death Squared" (1960s experiment)

"Death Squared" was a 1960s psychological experiment exploring how authority influences obedience and morality. Participants believed they were participating in a quiz show but were instructed to administer painful electric shocks to others when prompted, with increasing intensity for wrong answers. The study examined how individuals, under authoritative command, might conform to instructions that cause harm, highlighting the power of authority figures in shaping moral judgment and behavior. Its findings contributed to understanding obedience and the potential for ordinary people to commit harmful actions under authoritative pressure.