Which statement best describes the difference between epistemology and ontology in social science research design?

Which statement best describes the difference between epistemology and ontology in social science research design?

• A. Epistemology concerns the nature of knowledge and how we know what we know; ontology concerns the nature of reality and what exists.
• B. Epistemology is about data collection methods, while ontology is about statistical analysis.
• C. Epistemology refers to ethical standards, ontology to legal requirements.
• D. Epistemology and ontology are interchangeable terms describing research design phases.

Answer: (A)