Interview vs. Survey — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 14, 2024
An interview is a qualitative research method involving direct, face-to-face conversation between an interviewer and a respondent. A survey is a quantitative research method that uses questionnaires to collect data from a large group of people.
Difference Between Interview and Survey
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Interviews provide an opportunity for detailed exploration of a respondent's perspectives, beliefs, experiences, or behaviors through a conversation that can be either structured, with set questions, or unstructured, allowing for a free-flowing dialogue. Surveys, in contrast, involve distributing a set of standardized questions to a larger audience, which can be done via paper, online platforms, or other means. The aim is to gather quantifiable data that represent the views or characteristics of a broader population, making it easier to generalize findings.
The nature of interviews allows for flexibility in questioning, enabling the interviewer to adapt questions based on the respondent's answers, probe deeper into certain areas, or clarify misunderstandings. This interaction can reveal complex insights and subtleties in attitudes and behaviors that might not emerge from a fixed survey questionnaire. Surveys, however, provide the advantage of anonymity, which can lead to more honest and less biased responses, especially on sensitive topics. The structured format of surveys limits the depth of individual responses but facilitates the aggregation and statistical analysis of data.
Interviews require a significant investment of time and resources, both in conducting the interviews and in analyzing the qualitative data, which can be complex and subjective. The richness of the data obtained from interviews can provide a deep understanding of the research subject, but the method is less effective for making broad generalizations due to the typically smaller sample sizes. Surveys, with their capacity to reach a large number of respondents relatively quickly and at a lower cost, are well-suited for studies where the goal is to quantify trends, opinions, or behaviors across a population.
The choice between conducting interviews or surveys depends on the research objectives, resources available, and the nature of the information sought. Interviews are best suited for exploratory research, where the goal is to develop a deep, nuanced understanding of a topic. Surveys are more appropriate for descriptive or explanatory research aimed at quantifying characteristics or testing hypotheses across a larger population.
Comparison Chart
Method Type
Qualitative
Quantitative
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Data Collection
Direct conversation
Questionnaire
Interaction Level
High, personal interaction
Low, limited or no interaction
Sample Size
Generally smaller
Larger
Data Depth
Deep, nuanced insights
Broad, surface-level information
Cost and Time
More time-consuming and expensive
Less time-consuming and cheaper
Analysis
Complex, subjective interpretation
Straightforward, statistical
Best Used For
Exploratory research, in-depth insights
Descriptive/explanatory research, broad trends
Compare with Definitions
Interview
A direct conversation for in-depth insights.
The researcher conducted interviews to understand consumer preferences.
Survey
A questionnaire to collect data from many respondents.
The survey gathered opinions from over 1,000 participants.
Interview
Offers nuanced understanding of complex issues.
Interviews revealed diverse opinions on climate change policies.
Survey
Standardized questions for quantitative analysis.
Survey results showed a 60% preference for eco-friendly packaging.
Interview
Flexible, can adjust to respondent's answers.
During the interview, follow-up questions clarified initial responses.
Survey
Effective for descriptive research on larger populations.
The national health survey quantified exercise habits.
Interview
Requires time for conducting and analyzing.
Analyzing interview transcripts provided detailed consumer behavior insights.
Survey
Can be conducted online, on paper, or in person.
An online survey reached participants worldwide efficiently.
Interview
Suited for exploratory research with smaller samples.
The study used interviews to explore new entrepreneurs' challenges.
Survey
Offers anonymity, reducing response bias.
Anonymous surveys captured honest feedback on workplace culture.
Interview
To obtain an interview from.
Survey
An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
The local council conducted a survey of its residents to help it decide whether to go ahead with the roadside waste collection service.
Interview
An interview is essentially a structured conversation where one participant asks questions, and the other provides answers. In common parlance, the word "interview" refers to a one-on-one conversation between an interviewer and an interviewee.
Survey
A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
I just filled out that survey on roadside waste pick-up.
Interview
A meeting of people face to face, especially for consultation.
Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
Surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
Surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
Interview
Hold an interview with (someone)
She was interviewed by a reporter from the Daily News
Police are keen to interview two men seen nearby
Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
Surveyed the storm damage. ].
Interview
A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view.
Interview
A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
A survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Interview
An account or a reproduction of such a conversation.
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
Interview
(Informal) An interviewee
An actor who was a tough interview.
Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
Interview
To have an interview
Interviewed with a publishing company.
Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
Interview
(obsolete) An official face-to-face meeting of monarchs or other important figures.
Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
Interview
Any face-to-face meeting, especially of an official or adversarial nature.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
He stood on a hill, and surveyed the surrounding country.
Interview
A conversation in person (or, by extension, over the telephone, Internet etc.) between a journalist and someone whose opinion or statements he or she wishes to record for publication, broadcast etc.
The reporter gave the witness an interview.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
Interview
A formal meeting, in person, for the assessment of a candidate or applicant.
It was a dreadful interview; I have no hope of getting the job.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
It was his job to survey buildings in order to determine their value and risks.
Interview
An audition.
Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
To survey land or a coast
Interview
A police interrogation of a suspect or party in an investigation.
Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Interview
(transitive) To ask questions of (somebody); to have an interview.
He interviewed the witness.
The witness was interviewed.
Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
Interview
(intransitive) To be interviewed; to attend an interview.
Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country.
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,So high above.
Interview
A mutual sight or view; a meeting face to face; usually, a formal or official meeting for consultation; a conference; as, the secretary had an interview with the President.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
Interview
A conversation, or questioning, for the purpose of eliciting information for publication; the published statement so elicited.
Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
Interview
To have an interview with; to question or converse with, especially for the purpose of obtaining information for publication.
Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.
Interview
The questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists;
My interviews with teen-agers revealed a weakening of religious bonds
Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Interview
A conference (usually with someone important);
He had a consultation with the judge
He requested an audience with the king
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
Interview
Conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Interview
Discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation;
We interviewed the job candidates
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.
Interview
Go for an interview in the hope of being hired;
The job candidate interviewed everywhere
Survey
A detailed critical inspection
Survey
Short descriptive summary (of events)
Survey
The act of looking or seeing or observing;
He tried to get a better view of it
His survey of the battlefield was limited
Survey
Consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
Survey
Look over in a comprehensively, inspect;
He surveyed his new classmates
Survey
Keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Survey
Hold a review (of troops)
Survey
Make a survey of; for statistical purposes
Survey
Plot a map of (land)
Common Curiosities
How do interviews and surveys differ in terms of data collection?
Interviews involve direct, often face-to-face conversations, providing nuanced insights, while surveys use a set of fixed questions to gather broad, quantifiable data from many respondents.
Can interviews and surveys be used together in research?
Yes, interviews and surveys can be combined in mixed-methods research to capitalize on the depth of interviews and the breadth of surveys, offering comprehensive insights.
Why might a researcher choose an interview over a survey?
A researcher might choose an interview for exploratory research that seeks to understand the complexities and nuances of individual experiences or perspectives in depth.
What is an interview in research?
An interview is a qualitative research method where detailed information is gathered through direct, conversational interaction with respondents, allowing for in-depth insights into their perspectives.
What is a survey in research?
A survey is a quantitative research method that uses standardized questionnaires to collect data from a large number of respondents, suitable for statistical analysis and generalization of findings.
What role does anonymity play in surveys?
Anonymity in surveys can encourage more honest and unbiased responses, particularly on sensitive or controversial topics, as respondents may feel more secure without personal identification.
How does the analysis of interview and survey data differ?
Interview data analysis involves interpreting qualitative responses, which can be subjective and complex, while survey data analysis typically involves statistical techniques to quantify responses.
How do response rates compare between interviews and surveys?
Interviews typically have higher response rates due to the personal interaction involved, whereas surveys, especially online ones, may have lower response rates.
What are the advantages of using surveys in research?
Surveys are efficient for collecting data from a large sample, making them ideal for studies aiming to quantify trends, opinions, or behaviors across a broader population.
How does the cost and time investment compare between conducting interviews and surveys?
Interviews are generally more time-consuming and expensive due to the need for personal interaction and detailed analysis, whereas surveys can be more cost-effective and quicker, especially with large sample sizes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
