What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

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!

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!

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.

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.

Yep, that was definitely it.

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.

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