Questionnaire vs. Survey: Which One Should You Use?

Questionnaire or survey? Most people use the terms interchangeably, but they aren’t exactly the same thing. They’re closely related, but understanding the subtle differences between a questionnaire vs survey can make a big difference in your research and data collection.

Being clear on the definitions is essential for designing the right kind of research methods and understanding the results you get.

This article will clearly define what questionnaires and surveys are, how they differ, and what they’re used for. We’ll also explore common types and best practices. Hopefully, this will give you the knowledge you need to choose the right tool for collecting your data.

What’s a questionnaire? A focused data collection tool

A questionnaire is a list of questions used to gather targeted information from a selected group of people. Questionnaires can be used to collect quantitative data (numerical data) or qualitative data (descriptive data).

Often, questionnaires are used to gather basic information from people or to screen potential participants for a larger study.

Keep in mind that while questionnaires are often part of a survey, not all questionnaires are surveys. A questionnaire on its own may not involve data analysis or provide broader insights.

Types of questionnaires

• Quantitative questionnaires. These questionnaires focus on numerical data and typically use closed-ended questions, scales, or multiple-choice options. A Likert scale, in which you rate your attitudes or satisfaction on a scale of one to five, is one example.
• Qualitative questionnaires. These questionnaires use open-ended questions to gather descriptive data and to explore opinions and experiences. Qualitative questionnaires provide rich, detailed insights, but they require more in-depth analysis.
• Demographic questionnaires. These questionnaires collect information about the characteristics of the people responding to the questions, such as their age, gender, income, and education level. This information can be used to segment the data and analyze the responses based on different groups of people.
• Psychographic questionnaires. These questionnaires explore people’s attitudes, values, interests, and lifestyles. They’re helpful for understanding consumer behavior and for tailoring marketing messages to different groups of people.

What is a survey? A deep dive

A survey is more than just a list of questions. It’s a comprehensive research process that involves gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data from a group of people.

Surveys always include a questionnaire, which is the main tool for collecting data. The goals of a survey are to give insights into a population or group, often by using statistical analysis to find trends and patterns. Businesses use surveys to understand customer feedback, identify pain points, and make customer experiences better.

Types of surveys

Here are some common types of surveys:

• Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys: These surveys measure customer loyalty and find out how willing customers are to recommend a product or service to others. They’re based on a single question: “How likely are you to recommend this to a friend or colleague?”
• Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys: These surveys assess how happy customers are with specific interactions or experiences. They often use rating scales or multiple-choice questions.
• Customer Effort Score (CES) surveys: These surveys measure how easy it is for customers to resolve issues or complete tasks. They focus on making things easier for customers to boost loyalty and satisfaction.

What are the key differences between questionnaires and surveys?

Think of it this way: a questionnaire is a tool, and a survey is a project. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Scope: Questionnaires are just one part of a survey. Surveys are a comprehensive research process. A questionnaire helps you collect data, while a survey helps you analyze and interpret that data.
• Purpose: Questionnaires gather specific information from people. Surveys aim to understand trends and provide insights. Use a questionnaire for quick data collection, and use a survey for in-depth analysis and strategic decision-making.
• Data Analysis: Questionnaires sometimes don’t need extensive analysis. Surveys always involve data analysis and interpretation. Surveys require you to use statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and relationships.
• Target Audience: Questionnaires work well with smaller groups. Surveys usually need larger sample sizes to be statistically significant. If you want to analyze large groups of people for trend analysis, a survey is the better choice.
• Complexity: Questionnaires are simple to design and use. Surveys require careful planning, organization, and analysis. Surveys can also involve other data collection methods, like observations and interviews.

When should you use a questionnaire vs. a survey?

Use a questionnaire when you need to collect specific information from a bunch of people quickly and efficiently. Think about it like this: questionnaires are great for gathering contact info, getting medical histories, or screening people for a study.

Use a survey when you need to get a better feel for something, spot trends, and make smart decisions. Surveys are awesome for seeing how happy customers are, figuring out how engaged employees are, or doing market research to see what people want.

When you’re trying to decide between a questionnaire and a survey, think about what you’re trying to learn, who you’re trying to learn it from, and what you’re going to do with the data. If you need really deep insights and plan to do some serious number-crunching, go with a survey. But if you just need basic info from a large group, a questionnaire is probably all you need.

How to write good questionnaires and surveys

To get the most out of your questionnaires and surveys, here are a few best practices:

• Avoid leading questions. Frame your questions in a neutral way that doesn’t influence the respondent’s answer.
• Write clearly. Use simple language. Avoid jargon and technical terms, and don’t be ambiguous.
• Keep it short. Ask direct questions using as few words as you can.
• Limit open-ended questions. Open-ended questions are tough to analyze. When you can, use multiple choice or scales.
• Use scales. Scales, like Likert scales, let you measure attitudes and opinions. They also give you more detailed data than simple yes/no questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Conclusion

While the terms are often used interchangeably, it’s important to remember that a questionnaire is a tool used to gather data, whereas a survey is a broader research method. Recognizing this difference is key to planning and analyzing research effectively.

When deciding whether to use a questionnaire within a larger survey, or just to use a questionnaire on its own, consider what you want to learn, who you want to learn it from, how you plan to analyze the data, and what resources you have available.

No matter which path you choose, always follow best practices for writing questions that are clear, concise, and unbiased. The quality of your questions will directly impact the quality of the data you collect and the insights you gain.