>What random sampling of people? Specs? :o)

I didn't conduct the experiment(*) - but it must have been widely known, because I've read about it several times over the years. The subjects were led to believe they are a part of an experiment in management or something, where they had the power to inflict pain upon the assumed subject by the (now) classic dial on the pain amplifier, just like the one we all saw in so many movies.

The experimenters were shocked by the number of ordinary people who were ready to dial it to 10, even after seeing that the victim is in great pains. Just because they were behind a glass and thought the victim can't see them or what.

>>>My original observation still stands. What sort of person must one be to even be able to torture another human being? My assumption is that it must be a person devoid of empathy. My guess? A sociopath at least, and maybe even a psychopath.
>>
>>Just any Joe Q off the street. The experiments were performed (with actors who pretended to be suffering great pain) and the random sample of people had no trouble dialing it to ten. Just as long as they got good reassurance they won't be blamed and that it was for a good cause.

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(*) I also didn't play violin, basketball, bass, voltmeter or any other instrument.