What is a survey?
A survey is a systematic method of data collection in which information is gathered from a specific target group.
It is used to analyze opinions, attitudes or behaviors and derive findings from them.
Characteristics of a survey:
- Consists of several elements (questionnaire, participants, analysis, interpretation)
- Can include various survey methods (online, telephone, face-to-face)
- The aim is to obtain meaningful data
- Requires methodical planning and evaluation
Example of a survey:
A company conducts a customer satisfaction survey to find out how customers rate the service.
A questionnaire is created, the answers are collected and then analyzed.
What is a questionnaire?
A questionnaire is the specific document or online form used to collect data in a survey.
It contains a structured collection of questions that can vary depending on the aim of the survey.
Characteristics of a questionnaire:
- Contains a defined set of questions
- Can contain different types of questions (open, closed, scale questions)
- Is a component of a survey, but not the survey itself
- Can be in both paper and digital form
Example of a questionnaire:
The questionnaire of a customer satisfaction survey could contain questions such as “How satisfied are you with our service on a scale of 1 to 5?”.
The most important differences between the survey and the questionnaire
| Criteria | Survey | Questionnaire |
|---|---|---|
| Definition: | Overall research process for data collection | Tool for collecting data |
| Components: | Objectives, questionnaire, implementation, analysis | Only the questions for data collection |
| Features: | Used to collect, analyze and interpret data | Used for the structured retrieval of information |
| Methodology: | Can include various methods (interviews, online surveys, etc.) | Contains only written or digital questions |
| Dependency: | A survey can exist without a questionnaire (e.g. interviews) | A questionnaire is always part of a survey |
Conclusion
A survey is a superordinate process for data collection and analysis, while the questionnaire is a tool within this process.
The questionnaire is used to collect structured information, while the survey as a whole comprises planning, implementation and evaluation.
The two are closely linked, but not the same thing.
So if you want to conduct a sound data collection, you should carefully consider both the quality of the questionnaire and the methodology of the entire survey.