Ontology: The branch of metaphysics (philosophy concerning the overall nature of what things are) is concerned with identifying, in the most general terms, the kinds of things that actually exist. In other words addressing the question: What is existence? and What is the nature of existence?

What is an example of an ontological question?

When we ask deep questions about "what is the nature of the universe?" or "Is there a god?" or "What happens to us when we die?" or "What principles govern the properties of matter?" we are asking inherently ontological questions.

What is an ontological question in research?

Ontology is a system of belief that reflects an interpretation by an individual about what constitutes a fact. In other words, ontology is associated with a central question of whether social entities should be perceived as objective or subjective.