Don’t let the subtle differences confuse you. In order for your information search to succeed, you must be utilizing the appropriate research techniques.
Don’t let the subtle differences confuse you. In order for your information search to succeed, you must be utilizing the appropriate research techniques.
To those who have never seriously considered the differences between the terms survey and questionnaire, the formats for the two are often confused for one another. Similar to how the subtle differences that separate shrimp from prawn or alligators from crocodiles are often muddled, the designs and purposes of these two distinct tools are frequently misconstrued by those who have little experience with the subject.
While the differences between a survey vs questionnaire may seem superficial, they are anything but.
For those looking to gather information from their clients, customers, or employees - choosing the right style of questions is crucial. Running the incorrect format not only puts you at risk of wasting your panelists’ time - it’s a waste of your time, money, and valuable resources.
In this article we will clearly define both questionnaires and surveys, discuss the difference between survey and questionnaire, and how these tools can be used in the process of collecting data from a group of people.
Let's take a look at some of the key functions of surveys and questionnaires.
To the layman, the difference between a survey and questionnaire might not appear readily apparent - and it’s easy to see why.
The differences don’t end here - but once you’re able to get a better understanding of how these tools are used in practice to collect data, you’ll never mistake one for the other again.
Questionnaires are a set of questions designed to gather exploratory data from panelists, usually in regards to a single sole topic.
Examples of a questionnaire can be found at every single medical office. Before patients ever see a medical professional, they are asked to fill out extensive questionnaires. These forms are designed to gather pertinent medical information from the patient for the purpose of the visit. The questions listed on these forms only ever look to gather cold hard data from the patient in regards to their medical history.
When you can't decide if you're better off running a survey vs a questionnaire, it's important to remember this:
Surveying is the collection of data and subsequent statistical analysis of experiences and opinions from a target audience. These questions are often more detailed and probing than the kinds asked in questionnaires, and will often ask participants to give feedback. Surveys can be comprised of many unique parts and question sets. One part of a survey might ask participants to share their demographic information; another part of a survey may then ask them to share their thoughts and opinions about brands, customer service, or even current events. Surveys can include a mix of open ended questions, closed questions, questionnaires, and even tasks or activities.
Market researchers utilize surveys to gather data on everything from consumer sentiment to purchasing habits; this data can then be used to create intimate consumer profiles that marketers can use to better assess their customer’s needs and values.
Now that we have a clear understanding of the mechanics behind what makes each of these research tools distinct, we can look to pairing the tools to their appropriate scenarios. If surveys and questionnaires were our hammer and screwdriver, all we need to do is identify which problems are nails and which ones are screws.
Questionnaires absolutely have their place in our tool-kit - but the data provided by surveying can be turned into real, actionable information that helps us improve customer satisfaction, increase the morale of our employees, and grow our businesses.
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