Epistemology is primarily concerned with what aspect of research?

Epistemology is primarily focused on the nature of knowledge, which includes questions about the origins, scope, and limits of what we understand and how we come to acquire that understanding. In the context of research, epistemology examines how knowledge is created, validated, and applied, influencing both the theoretical framework of a study and the interpretation of findings. It shapes the foundational beliefs researchers hold about what constitutes knowledge, how they understand the complexity of human behavior, and the validity of their methods.

Through this lens, epistemology drives the rationale behind selecting certain methodologies and interpreting data, but it specifically delves into the philosophical underpinnings of knowledge itself rather than the methods or types of data utilized in research or addressing gaps in existing literature. Therefore, the focus on the nature of knowledge directly aligns with the core principles of epistemology, making it the most relevant aspect of research among the provided options.