The main difference between a System of Record and a System of Reference is:

A system of record (SOR) is the authoritative source where data originates, while a system of reference provides data for use but does not originate it. The DAMA-DMBOK states: “A system of record is the authoritative source for data, where it is created or updated, whereas a system of reference provides access to data that originates elsewhere, often for lookup or reporting purposes” (DMBOK2, Chapter 12: Reference and Master Data, p. 493).

Options A, C, D, and E are incorrect: A and C confuse data types, D is false, and E reverses the definition.