During the recent Stellenbosch DPhil research and methodologies seminar, Professor Patrick Sookhdeo presented a paper on his research methodologies. This paper outlines his approach to research, information, and teaching, and then focuses on two key stages of research: locating and testing the source of information, and then analysing the information.

Professor Sookhdeo’s particular methodology draws on many years of experience in academia, military contexts, and humanitarian work. It is designed to help the learner handle large and complex bodies of information and navigate to relevant data. It can be applied and adapted to multiple areas of research.

In a world that is increasingly complex, where academics have more access to information than ever before, this inter-disciplinary and transdisciplinary methodology is a welcome approach.