How is ontology BEST defined?

Ontology is best defined as the nature of reality and what is real. In the context of philosophy and social science, ontology involves exploring the fundamental categories of being and existence. It addresses questions about what entities exist in the world and how they can be categorized or understood. This examination helps inform research methodologies and epistemologies within social work practice, as understanding the nature of reality influences how researchers approach their subject matter, define constructs, and interpret data.

While other options address important aspects of research and inquiry, they represent different areas of focus. The study of knowledge production relates more closely to epistemology than ontology, the examination of social issues pertains to social theory or applied research, and the analysis of numerical data refers specifically to quantitative research methods. These areas are interconnected but do not define ontology directly, which is fundamentally concerned with the essence and existence of reality itself.