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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Questionnaire and Survey?

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The main difference between a questionnaire and a survey lies in their definitions and the scope of their application. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Questionnaire: A questionnaire is a written set of questions used to gather specific information from a target audience. It can be used for various purposes, such as collecting customer feedback, understanding preferences, or gathering personal information. Questionnaires can include closed-ended questions, open-ended questions, or a combination of both.
  • Survey: A survey is a method of data collection and analysis targeted at a specific group. It involves the process of collecting, aggregating, and analyzing responses from a set of questions, which can be both qualitative and quantitative. Surveys typically use a mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions to poll participants, generating quantitative or qualitative data.

While a questionnaire is a data collection instrument, a survey is a research method that includes the questionnaire, survey design, sampling, data collection, aggregation, and analysis. A questionnaire can be a part of a survey, but a survey always contains a questionnaire. Surveys are often more comprehensive and time-consuming compared to questionnaires.

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  • Comparative Table: Questionnaire vs Survey

    • Comparative Table: Questionnaire vs Survey

    The main difference between a questionnaire and a survey is that a questionnaire is a written set of questions, while a survey is a broader concept that encompasses content, the method of delivery for the questionnaire, and analysis of the responses. Here is a comparison table of the differences between a survey and a questionnaire:

    Parameters Survey Questionnaire
    Definition A research process used for the orderly collection and analysis of information from a group A form containing a series of survey questions designed to obtain direct information from the respondent
    Scope Includes content, method of delivery, and analysis of responses Refers to content only
    Deployment Can be conducted on websites, mobile apps, and prototypes to collect and analyze customer feedback Can be sent offline or through email, URL link, and SMS to individual respondents
    Usage Obtains information through various methods, including observations, measurements, and evaluations Obtains information through questions, instructions, and blanks for answers

    Questionnaires are research tools used to collect data on a specific topic by distributing forms that contain questions, instructions, and blanks for answers. In contrast, surveys are a type of research method that involves the orderly collection and analysis of information from a group of respondents, which can include questionnaires as well as other methods of data collection.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.