Ontology is a branch of philosophy that deals with the nature of existence and the kinds and structures of objects. In research, ontology helps researchers recognize how certain they can be about the nature and existence of objects they are researching. It is concerned with what actually exists in the world about which humans can acquire knowledge. Ontology is about the object of inquiry, what researchers set out to examine. It seeks the classification and explanation of entities. In simple terms, ontology is associated with what we consider as reality.

Ontology is important in research because it influences how researchers frame their research in their attempts to discover knowledge. Identification of ontology at the start of the research process is critically important as it determines the choice of the research design. The choice of research methods is consequentially impacted by ontology via epistemology, research approach, research strategy, and methods of data collection and data analysis.

In summary, ontology in research is concerned with the nature of existence and the kinds and structures of objects. It helps researchers recognize how certain they can be about the nature and existence of objects they are researching. Ontology is important in research because it influences how researchers frame their research in their attempts to discover knowledge.