Questionnaires and Surveys – Aren’t they the same thing?

If you’re asking this question, then the answer is a BIG no! They are many differences between the two. They’re separate but related things, so to speak. But if you’ve stumbled onto this blog, then you’re definitely asking the right questions! Asking what the difference between surveys and questionnaires is a bit like asking what the difference is between a zebra’s stripes 🦓 and a tiger’s stripes 🐅. I mean, they’re both stripes. But in the bigger picture, one is more robust and powerful than the other. Now without any further ado, let’s dig deep into what really are the differences between Questionnaires and Surveys.

Definition

A questionnaire is nothing but a research tool or research instrument that is used in market research. It typically contains a set of questions that the respondent has to answer and it is typically short and to the point. The questions asked are mainly objective, close-ended or in multiple choice-format.

A survey on the other hand is the entire process of collecting, delivering and analyzing the collected data (which may be in the form of a questionnaire) for market research. The questions asked in a survey can be close-ended or open-ended as well as subjective according to the opinion of the filler or respondent.

Now, how do we differentiate between Questionnaires & Surveys

There are several types of questionnaires and surveys. Here are some of the most commonly used ones in market research:

Types of Questionnaires

Email questionnaire

This type of questionnaire is typically sent via email and the responses are recorded and entered and submitted by mail. This kind of questionnaire provides quick and easy delivery of the questionnaire to a large-scale of respondents and can be filled simultaneously. This type of questionnaire can be used for a large-scale response all around the world and is not limited by borders and geography. The waiting time is very less here. Just like the waiting time at international airports. (Or maybe not! 😜)

Telephone Questionnaire

These questionnaires are conducted over the phone and not as popularly used due to there being errors inaudibility and entry of the same. This was useful until the internet age wherein online questionnaires are more suited for quick and easy access responses.

Scaling Questionnaires

Scaling questionnaires generally have a rating system in place where you can quantify or rate the intended product or service in the questions asked. These questions are always close-ended and users pick a rating between 1-5 or 1-10 as well as ‘Highly unsatisfied’ to ‘Highly Satisfied’. These are used in market research in various parts of the country for quick feedback.

Types of Surveys

Customer Satisfaction Survey

This type of survey rates the satisfaction the consumers of different goods and services. If you are supposed to fill out a feedback form at your local supermarket for your shopping experience and this is then used in analyzing the needs and requirements of the consumers, then this becomes a customer satisfaction survey.

Brand Awareness Survey

This survey is conducted to understand how well a brand is known amongst the general public or the targeted demographic. This type of survey is also used to identify how consumers perceive a brand as well as their products. This type of survey is conducted and used by various businesses (small, medium and large) to understand and fulfill the needs and wants of their consumers better in order to position themselves in a certain segment in the market or industry. This is very popular in today’s world where all decisions are driven on the basis and findings of market research data that is collected and analyzed.

Paper Survey

Paper surveys are a thing of the past, but are still actively being used even in today’s digital world. These are highly time-consuming and expensive right from collecting and delivering and analyzing for multiple reasons. The time taken to record them is also is on the higher side. The personnel or manpower requirement for this is high. Besides this, there are geographic locations that a paper survey may not make it. All in all, this type of survey method is not highly recommended by us.

Online Survey

In today’s world, online questionnaires have become ever so popular and are being widely used and accepted as the future of data collection in market research. There are various companies that use online surveys are a process for market research as they can reach a wide audience all over the globe in order for them to make a more impactful splash in the world market. Many companies are vying for your thought and opinions on their products and services and waste no time in trying to make your life better by trying to understand and analyze what you need. Some companies also pay you money for your feedback on their various products and services. What an age we live in! 🤯

Do I even come across surveys in the real world as much? 🤷

Yes, yes and yes! Absolutely! If you didn’t know there is such a thing as paid online surveys where you can actually make money off of the internet by just answering surveys and stating your opinions. One such website is Zippy Opinion. Let’s find out more about how you can use Zippy Opinion in your everyday life.

Now, what is Zippy Opinion and how do I make money from here?

Zippy Opinion is one of the best paid survey sites out there. Members can participate in our online consumer surveys, share their opinions on products with their favorite brands, earn money online, and win free vouchers and other exciting rewards! The Zippy Opinion Rewards Program lets you redeem your Zippy Points for free shopping vouchers and gift cards from our reward partner brands.

Get paid from surveys through us to start your journey into earning some pretty amazing rewards and vouchers for your opinions and thoughts. Undoubtedly, this is an excellent place to start with if you’re a new entrant into this world of opinions and paid surveys.

How can I be part of Zippy Opinion and earn BIG rewards? 🤑

• Head to Zippy Opinion
• Click on ‘Join Us’
• Enter your details and Register
• Verify via your email ID
• Attend Surveys
• Earn Rewards!

It is completely free to join us. We charge ZERO registration fees. Sign up to have a hassle-free and rewarding experience with us.

If you want to learn and understand more about Zippy Opinion and take surveys for money using just your phone, then you should check out our blog, Earning More Money Using Just Your Smartphone. A Dream Or a Reality?

Conclusion

To wrap things up, we can now see the differences between a survey and a questionnaire that are clear cut. A questionnaire is a research tool for surveys while a survey is an all-round collection, delivery and analysis that is more in-depth in nature. A questionnaire may be a subset of a survey while a survey cannot be a subset of a questionnaire. If you’re filling out a medical form at the dentist’s office, then it is a questionnaire. Now, if that questionnaire is collected from many people and is used to analyze dental patients’ needs and requirements, then it becomes a survey.

What’re your thoughts on questionnaires and surveys? Do you have any ideas of your own? Let us know in the comment section below. 👇