creator5) Illegal Psychology Experiments That Changed Science

In this video, we explore illegal famous psychology experiments — six shocking facts revealed by real studies about human behavior, brain control, and decision making. These psychology experiments were once considered acceptable, but what they discovered changed science and forced the world to draw ethical limits — and that is where this story begins.

Number 1: The Stanford Prison Experiment

In 1971, psychologist Philip Zimbardo studied how power changes behavior. Twenty-four healthy students were randomly assigned roles. Within just six days, participants showed anxiety, depression, and emotional breakdowns. The experiment was stopped early. A 2004 review in American Psychologist concluded the study caused serious psychological harm. Power changed behavior faster than personality.

Number 2: The Tuskegee Syphilis Study

From 1932 to 1972, over six hundred men were observed while doctors withheld treatment. Even after penicillin became the standard cure, according to the CDC, 128 participants died directly or indirectly. They were never told the truth. This study led directly to modern informed consent laws.

Number 3: MKUltra, the CIA’s Mind Control Program

During the Cold War, the CIA ran over 150 secret experiments using LSD, hypnosis, and sensory deprivation. A 1977 U.S. Senate hearing confirmed many subjects were drugged without consent. Some participants never recovered psychologically.

Number 4: The Milgram Obedience Experiment

Psychologist Stanley Milgram tested obedience. Sixty-five percent of participants believed they delivered lethal shocks. Published in Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, the study showed that authority can override morality. This experiment demonstrates how obedience, authority, and influence affect human decision making.

Number 5: Operation Sea-Spray

In 1950, the U.S. Navy released bacteria over San Francisco to study biological warfare spread. Hospital records later showed a spike in rare infections. Civilians were never informed.

Number 6: The Little Albert Experiment

In 1920, psychologist John B. Watson conditioned fear in an infant using loud noises paired with animals. This is a clear example of fear conditioning and one of the most unethical psychology experiments in history. Later reviews in Ethics & Behavior cite it as a severe ethical violation. The fear was never reversed.

These experiments changed science, and they raise an important question: what do you think should be banned next, and do you believe cases like these could happen again? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you want to discover more surprising facts and real science stories, make sure to check out our other videos as well.