On the contrary, philosophically speaking, ontology relates to epistemology - the theory of knowledge and the levels of the perception and understanding of truth on each level.

The question of purely quantitate studies as a resource, reveals something about a subject on the first, factual, empirical level.

The purpose of the enquiry will seek knowledge on specific levels and not necessarily in the context of the greater body of knowledge.

Hope this is helpful.

Ann

Thank you very much Ann Van Ryn

Research, from whatever perspective/methodology is about knowledge, thus, it becomes imperative that the knowledge a research contributes to the body of knowledge is underscored. This explains why most studies always mention the epistemology of their study.