Difference between Survey and Questionnaire is a discussion that we will discuss in this article. Surveys and questionnaires are two methods of obtaining data, from respondents, based on interrogation. Both are methods used in primary data collection, whether it is for marketing a product or gathering information from people about social issues.
Surveys are the conventional way of conducting research in which respondents are asked questions, regarding their behavior, awareness, motivation, demographics, and other characteristics. While the Questionnaire is a tool to obtain data on a particular topic, which involves the distribution of a form consisting of questions related to the topic under study.
Before we discuss further Difference between Survey and Questionnaireit would be nice if we understand and understand first what the definition of survey and questionnaire.
Survey Definition
By survey we mean the research process used to collect and analyze information on a regular basis from a group of people to measure opinions, thoughts, experiences, etc. It is not only limited to gathering information using questions, but also includes observations, measurements, data evaluation and researcher assessments.
A survey can take different forms such as a survey of the whole population known as a census, but it can also be conducted on a representative sample of a group with a view to drawing conclusions on the larger population. The sample survey is a widely used method because of its cost-effectiveness, speed, and practical approach.
There are several ways to conduct a survey:
- Face-to-face survey (Interview)
- a list of questions
- Telephone survey
- Post survey
- Internet-based surveys (Email surveys and Web-based surveys)
Definition of Questionnaire
The term questionnaire refers to a form containing a series of survey questions designed in such a way with the intention of extracting certain information from the respondents. This instrument includes questions, instructions and space for answers. The questions to be asked are framed in such a way as to get information directly from the respondents.
Questionnaires have both written and printed formats, sent or distributed to people to provide responses to facts or opinions. Surveyors use these responses for statistical analysis. It is mainly used to gather factual information, with the intention of dividing people and their circumstances.
The difference between survey and questionnaire can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
- The term survey means the collection, recording and analysis of information about a particular subject, area, or group of people. Questionnaires imply a form containing a set of ready-made questions, sent to people for statistical information.
- Survey is the process of collecting and analyzing data from the population. On the other hand, a questionnaire is an instrument used in obtaining data.
- Surveys are a time-consuming process, whereas questionnaires are the least time-consuming method of data acquisition.
- Surveys are conducted when a questionnaire is mailed, distributed, or sent to respondents.
- In a survey, the questions asked in the survey can be open or closed depending on the topic for which the survey is being conducted. On the other hand, in the questionnaire it may include only closed questions.
- The answers given by the respondents during the survey can be subjective or objective depending on the question. On the other hand, respondents gave objective answers to the questionnaire.
Conclusion: Survey is a general term that includes questionnaires, interviews, observation methods as a means of gathering information. Although, the best, fastest and cheapest way to conduct a survey, is a questionnaire. Surveys are usually conducted for research or study, whereas questionnaires are used only to collect information such as job application or patient history forms, etc.
