Epistemology and Research - Essay ExampleSteup (2011) defines it as the study of knowledge and the justified believes, and importantly about the issues related to “the creation and dissemination of knowledge in particular areas of inquiryâ€. Grix (2002) validates this perspective of epistemology by defining it has the theory of knowledge, especially in regard to its methods, validation and the possible ways of gaining knowledge of social reality. Willig (2001, p.8) on the other hand provides additional perspectives by stating how epistemology also involves thinking about the “validity and reliability of claims to knowledge.†The paths through which the knowledge can be accessed and collected are the various research methods. There are correlations between epistemology and the research methods, as the researcher can take an epistemological position for setting the objectives of a research project process. There is a view that a researcher’s epistemological position could significantly affect their choice of research methods.