"And I managed to arrange to get some research support and to stay in Hong Kong for another year and a half, interviewing people coming out of China, both Westerners and Chinese. And that was my first real research study on thought reform or so-called brainwashing"

This quote by Robert Jay Lifton is referring to his very first research study on thought reform, or what is typically referred to as brainwashing. He was able to organize to remain in Hong Kong for a year and a half to conduct interviews with individuals coming out of China, both Westerners and Chinese. This research was likely conducted to gain a better understanding of the process of thought reform and how it impacts people. Lifton's research was likely groundbreaking and has actually likely been utilized as a basis for more research on the subject. His research study was most likely crucial in assisting to comprehend the effects of thought reform and how it can be used to control individuals.