Survey vs. Questionnaire — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 14, 2024
Surveys are broad tools for collecting data through questions, useful for gathering qualitative and quantitative insights, while questionnaires are specific sets of questions aimed at extracting precise information.
Difference Between Survey and Questionnaire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Surveys are typically used to explore opinions, behaviors, or characteristics across a wide population sample, making them versatile for both academic and commercial research. On the other hand, a questionnaire is a specific instrument composed of a series of questions designed to gather information on particular aspects from respondents, often forming part of a larger survey.
Surveys often employ various question types, including open-ended, multiple choice, and scale-based questions, to capture a broad spectrum of responses. Whereas questionnaires tend to use more structured question formats to facilitate easier analysis and comparison of the data collected.
Surveys can be administered in multiple formats such as online, telephone, or face-to-face, which allows for flexible data collection methods depending on the target demographic. On the other hand, questionnaires are commonly distributed in written or digital forms and are designed to be self-administered by the respondents.
The design of surveys is generally more complex, involving careful consideration of sampling methods, data collection techniques, and analysis processes to ensure representativeness and accuracy. Whereas the design of questionnaires focuses primarily on question construction and layout to ensure clarity and ease of understanding for accurate responses.
Surveys are useful for drawing broad conclusions about a population, often involving statistical analysis to interpret the data collected. In contrast, questionnaires provide detailed insights into specific topics, and the data can be used directly for qualitative analysis or as part of a larger statistical study.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To gather a wide range of data
To collect specific information
Questions Type
Varied, including open and closed
Mostly structured
Administration
Multiple methods (online, face-to-face)
Typically self-administered
Design Complexity
High, with attention to sampling
Focused on question clarity
Data Use
Broad analysis and conclusions
Specific, detailed insights
Compare with Definitions
Survey
A research tool for measuring attitudes, opinions, or behaviors.
The survey revealed changing trends in consumer behavior.
Questionnaire
A tool used in surveys to collect individual data.
The research study's questionnaire was meticulously developed.
Survey
An examination of opinions, usually by asking standardized questions.
The survey results influenced the new policy implementation.
Questionnaire
A series of questions aimed at extracting precise responses.
Each section of the questionnaire was tailored to different age groups.
Survey
A tool for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
The survey provided both numerical data and narrative responses.
Questionnaire
A set of printed or digital questions used for gathering information.
Participants received a questionnaire about their health habits.
Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
Surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
Surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
Questionnaire
A method to obtain specific information from respondents.
The questionnaire focused on the effectiveness of the new software.
Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
Surveyed the storm damage. ].
Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions (or other types of prompts) for the purpose of gathering information from respondents. The questionnaire was invented by the Statistical Society of London in 1838.Although questionnaires are often designed for statistical analysis of the responses, this is not always the case.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view.
Questionnaire
A form containing a set of questions, especially one addressed to a statistically significant number of subjects as a way of gathering information for a survey.
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.
Questionnaire
A form containing a list of questions; a means of gathering information for a survey
Carry out a questionnaire
Fill out a questionnaire
Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
Questionnaire
To survey using questionnaires
Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
Questionnaire
Same as Questionary.
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.
Questionnaire
A list of questions, usually on a printed form, to be answered by an individual. The forms often have blank spaces in which the answers can be written. Sets of such forms are distributed to groups and the answers used for various purposes, such as to obtain statistical information for social science, political, or marketing research, or to obtain information about a patient for the use of medical practitioners.
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.
Questionnaire
A form containing a set of questions; submitted to people to gain statistical information
Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
Questionnaire
A structured format for data collection.
The questionnaire consisted of 20 multiple-choice questions.
Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
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.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
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.
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
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.
Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
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.
Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
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.
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.
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.
Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
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.
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.
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)
Survey
A method of gathering information from a sample of individuals.
The company conducted a survey to understand customer satisfaction.
Survey
A systematic collection of data involving various question types.
Her thesis included a survey that spanned multiple demographics.
Common Curiosities
What distinguishes a survey from a questionnaire?
A survey is a comprehensive approach to gather data, using a questionnaire as one of its tools.
How are surveys typically administered?
Surveys can be conducted online, in person, or over the telephone, among other methods.
How can the data from surveys be used?
Survey data can be analyzed to make generalizations or conclusions about the larger population.
How does the choice of questionnaire format impact data collection?
The format can affect response rates and the quality of data, with digital formats often being more convenient and efficient.
What is the role of design in surveys?
Survey design involves strategic planning on sampling, methodology, and question structure to ensure comprehensive and accurate data collection.
Can a questionnaire be used outside of a survey?
Yes, questionnaires can be standalone documents for specific information gathering.
What types of questions are typically found in a questionnaire?
Structured questions, including multiple choice, Likert scales, and yes/no.
What is the main purpose of a survey?
To collect diverse information across a broad demographic for analysis.
What common mistakes should be avoided when designing questionnaires?
Avoid leading questions, overly complex language, and ambiguous questions.
Are questionnaires effective for qualitative research?
They can be, especially if they include open-ended questions that allow for detailed responses.
Can surveys influence decision-making processes?
Yes, survey results are often used to guide business strategies, policy-making, and research directions.
How important is the sample size in a survey?
Very important, as it affects the reliability and generalizability of the survey results.
What are some methods for improving survey response rates?
Offering incentives, ensuring anonymity, and keeping the survey concise and relevant can improve participation.
Which is more specific, a survey or a questionnaire?
A questionnaire is more specific as it focuses on particular information.
What makes a questionnaire effective?
Clear, concise, and relevant questions that are easy to understand and answer.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
