Though often used interchangeably, surveys vs questionnaires represent two distinct tools in data collection. A questionnaire is a structured set of questions designed to gather specific information, while a survey encompasses the broader process, including data collection, analysis, and reporting insights.
For instance, a questionnaire might focus on gathering customer preferences, while a survey would analyze the feedback to identify patterns or trends. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right method to achieve your goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore the difference between surveys and questionnaires, share examples, and offer tips on choosing the right form creator.
What is a survey? A brief overview
A survey collects information, opinions, or feedback from a group of people and analyzes it to create better business strategies. It involves asking questions to understand trends, behavior, or preferences.
Surveys are widely used in various fields, such as marketing, education, healthcare, and research, to gather valuable insights. They typically consist of a series of structured or semi-structured questionnaires that can include multiple-choice questions, rating scales, or open-ended queries.
The goal is to collect meaningful data that can be analyzed to make decisions or improve routine operations.
One key feature of a survey is its scope. Unlike a simple questionnaire, a survey includes the process of asking questions and the analysis and interpretation of collected data. This makes surveys more detailed and ideal for large-scale studies or projects.
What is a questionnaire? A brief overview
A questionnaire can be used in various data collection methods, such as paper-based forms and phone interviews, but they’re always an essential part of surveys. It is a set of written questions designed to gather specific information from individuals and groups.
The primary purpose of a questionnaire is to ask targeted questions that lead to clear and concise answers. Depending on the information businesses want to collect, these questions can be open-ended or close-ended.
The difference between a survey and a questionnaire is that not all questionnaires include the process of data analysis and reporting. For example, a questionnaire used in phone interviews may simply gather responses without the detailed data analysis and interpretation that’s an integral part of surveys like a retail customer feedback form.
Questionnaire vs survey: Key differences
While surveys and questionnaires have been a long-standing debate, they are often used interchangeably and offer distinct purposes in data collection. Here’s a simple breakdown of their key differences:
1. Purpose
A questionnaire is simply a set of questions designed to gather information. It focuses on collecting raw data without necessarily analyzing it. A survey, on the other hand, is a more detailed process. It includes creating a questionnaire, distributing it, collecting responses, analyzing the data, and drawing actionable insights.
For example, a business might use a questionnaire to ask customers about their preferences, while a survey would involve interpreting those responses to guide decisions.
2. Data analysis
Questionnaires usually stop at data collection and don’t include tools or methods for analyzing the gathered information.
Surveys, on the other hand, go beyond just collecting responses—they rely on data collection forms that work with graphs, charts, or software to process and interpret the results. This makes surveys more useful for research, identifying trends, and making informed decisions.
3. Use cases
Questionnaires are ideal for smaller, focused tasks such as registration forms, customer feedback, or health screening. On the other hand, surveys are used for larger objectives like market research, employee engagement studies, or in-depth public opinion analysis.
Poll questions are a type of questionnaire and are commonly used to gather quick opinions on specific topics. However, they can also contribute to survey research when analyzed for trends.
When to use a survey or a questionnaire
Knowing when to use surveys vs questionnaires depends on the type of information you want to collect and how you plan to use it.
Questionnaires are ideal for gathering structured data if you want to collect basic information. They can be used for employee onboarding, customer registration, or patient intake forms. These situations require limited analysis and quick, clear answers. Think of situations like evaluating a meeting or collecting RSVPs for an event.
Surveys are best for collecting in-depth responses that require analysis and interpretation. For instance, a retail survey form can help businesses analyze shopping patterns, customer satisfaction, and product performance in a structured way.
How to create questionnaires and surveys online
Step 1
Use an online form builder to create your survey or questionnaire.
Step 2
Add key fields like multiple-choice questions, text boxes, or rating scales.
Step 3
Preview and refine your form to check for errors and make any necessary adjustments.
Step 4
Generate a QR code for your form, then customize it to match your branding.
Step 5
Share the QR code digitally via email and social media or print it on posters and brochures.
Step 6
Track responses using the form builder’s analytics to monitor scans, submissions, and response trends.
Surveys vs questionnaires examples
Questionnaire examples
Here are a couple of examples of how a questionnaire is used:
1. Food ordering Form
Restaurants often use questionnaire forms during the food ordering process. This allows customers to place orders and answer immediate questions, such as whether they have any special requests, such as whether some individuals don’t like spicy food. This data isn’t analyzed later but is used instantly to ensure accurate and safe service.
Example: Do you have any special request? (e.g., no spice, extra cheese)
2. Medical History Form
This form allows patients to provide health information such as food allergies or current medications. It is ideal for gathering essential medical details quickly and accurately.
Example: “Do you have any known allergies? (If yes, specify).”
Survey Examples
1. Employee Engagement Survey
The study assesses employees’ morale, productivity, and satisfaction. Its main focus is on analyzing trends and improving workplace policies.
Example: “On a scale of 1-10, how valued do you feel at work?” followed by “What can management do to improve your experience?”
2. Customer Satisfaction Survey
A tool to evaluate how customers perceive a product or service. This example of a survey includes follow-up questions to understand the reasons behind the ratings.
Example: “How likely are you to recommend our service to others? (Rate 1-10).”
Create surveys and questionnaires with a form creator
Knowing the difference between a survey vs. questionnaire helps you choose the right tool for your needs. Questionnaires collect basic information, while surveys go further by analyzing data to provide insights. Both are useful for businesses, schools, and researchers to learn more about their audience and enhance their services.
If you’re ready to create a survey or questionnaire form, choosing a reliable platform simplifies the process. A form QR code generator helps you create and design forms in minutes, which saves you time and effort.
The best part? You can easily share your forms across platforms and analyze responses instantly without technical complications. Take the first step today – use an efficient form maker to create surveys and questionnaires.
FAQs
Are surveys and questionnaires the same thing?
No, they are not the same. A questionnaire is a tool that contains a series of questions, whereas a survey uses a questionnaire as part of a larger process to gather and analyze data. Surveys often include additional steps like data analysis to improve the services.
When should I use a survey instead of a questionnaire?
A survey is a good option when you want to collect and analyze data to make informed decisions. For instance, surveys are the best option to understand trends in customer satisfaction or employee engagement.
They help businesses assess strengths, identify weaknesses, and refine their strategies based on the insights.
Meanwhile, a standalone questionnaire works well if your goal is just to gather straightforward information without detailed analysis. For example, collecting attendee references for an event or capturing basic customer details is better suited for a questionnaire.
Can I combine surveys and questionnaires in one project?
Yes, you can. Many businesses use both approaches together to get a complete picture. Comparing surveys vs questionnaires, surveys analyze data, while questionnaires collect structured responses. A questionnaire can be part of a survey for efficient data collection and insights.