Battle of Insights: Survey vs. Questionnaire

Do you have a burning question but are unsure how to ask it?

Is it a survey or a questionnaire you want?

Stay with us because we’re about to dive deep into the battle royale of data collection— survey vs. questionnaire.

Now, if you’re like us, you’ve probably used these terms interchangeably. While they might seem like twins, they’re more like cousins.

In other words, they’re similar, but with their distinct personalities.

Surveys and questionnaires are powerful tools.

Each has its set of strengths in the world of research. They can help you tap into the minds of your audience, collect valuable data, and gain actionable insights.

However, it’s like choosing between Batman and Superman. You have to know their pros and cons to make the right call.

This is exactly what we’re going to uncover today.

In the blog, you’ll learn the following:

• What is a Questionnaire?
• Importance of Surveys and Questionnaires in Research and Data Collection?
• What are the Key Differences between Surveys and Questionnaires?
• What is the Purpose of Surveys and Questionnaires?
• What are the Key Features of a Survey Design?
• How to Analyze Survey and Questionnaire Reports

Before jumping into the blog’s core, we’ll address the following question: what is a questionnaire?

What is a Questionnaire?

The debate is set— survey vs. questionnaire.

So, what is a questionnaire?

A questionnaire is a set of written questions designed to collect structured responses from your audience.

Its beauty lies in its flexibility. You can use it in various settings – from market research to academic studies, from customer feedback to employee satisfaction.

Here’s where the plot thickens in the survey vs. questionnaire drama.

Unlike a survey, a questionnaire doesn’t require a sampling strategy. It doesn’t assume that the respondents represent a larger group.

It’s typically self-administered, giving your audience the freedom to respond at their own pace. This is a boon for sensitive topics.

So, there you have it. Now, onto the next chapter of our survey vs. questionnaire story.

Importance of Surveys and Questionnaires in Research and Data Collection?

In the survey data collection, surveys and questionnaires pack a real punch.

They aren’t just tools and here’s why:

• Curators of Primary Data

Survey and questionnaire are your keys to the treasure trove of primary data.

They get you insights tailored to your research objectives, providing valuable first-hand information.

• Quantitative and Qualitative Data Masters

Whether you need hard numbers or rich narratives, surveys and questionnaires come in handy.

They handle quantitative and qualitative data. This gives you the best of both worlds.

• Champions of Standardization and Consistency

Surveys and questionnaires offer a standardized approach, ensuring your respondents are asked the same questions.

They help you sidestep bias and make comparisons easier.

• Scalable and Expansive

Surveys and questionnaires are your best bet, especially if your goal is to reach more people.

They let you cast a wide net, gathering data from diverse audiences.

• Advocates of Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other methods, surveys and questionnaires are friendlier to your budget.

Whether going digital or sticking to the paper, they keep costs in check, saving you from travel and other expenses.

• Heroes of Efficiency and Time-Saving

Surveys and questionnaires are like a fast-forward button.

Yes, you read that right.

Your audience can fill them quickly, and the data can be collected and analyzed.

So, in the debate of survey vs. questionnaire, it’s clear they both bring a lot to the table.

What are the Key Differences between Surveys and Questionnaires?

Unveiling the key differences: survey vs. questionnaire.

When you dive into the data collection world, the terms ‘survey’ and ‘questionnaire’ may seem interchangeable.

But, they each serve their unique roles.

Let’s break down their differences.

• Defining Survey and Questionnaire

A survey is like a flashlight illuminating data about a subject, area, or group through collection, recording, etc.

Conversely, a questionnaire is more like a roadmap filled with ready-made questions that guide your respondents to data.

• Role in Data Acquisition

Think of a survey as an elaborate performance, orchestrating data collection and analysis.

Meanwhile, a questionnaire is a handy tool you can use in this data-gathering phase.

• Time Considerations

While a survey involves meticulously gathering and analyzing data, a questionnaire offers a less time-consuming route to acquire data.

• Process and Delivery

A survey is an active process whose goal is to provide you with final insights.

On the other hand, you can distribute a questionnaire to your respondents, awaiting their contributions.

So, in the survey vs. questionnaire face-off, it’s clear they both have unique attributes that make them different yet complementary.

What is the Purpose of Surveys and Questionnaires?

Let’s continue with the survey vs. questionnaire debate to understand their purposes.

While both are powerful tools for gathering information, they serve different purposes.

Each serves as a compass guiding us to achieve our research objectives or gather data.

Below’s what each brings to the table:

• Data Collection Dynamo

Whether exploring opinions, behaviors, or demographic data, surveys and questionnaires function as ideal tools for gathering data.

• Assess needs

They serve as your eyes and ears into the needs of your audience, ensuring your offerings hit the bull’s eye.

• Receive Feedback

Surveys and questionnaires are your go-to tools if your goal is to capture customer satisfaction, experience, and expectations like a pro.

• Market Research Giants

In the fast-paced world of market research, surveys and questionnaires can shed light on your audience’s preferences, market trends, and competitive landscapes.

• Program Evaluation

Use surveys and questionnaires to evaluate programs, assess effectiveness, identify improvement areas, and guide decision-making.

• Opinion Pollsters

From public opinion polling to political surveys, surveys and questionnaires can help you capture the pulse of public sentiment.

• Employee Engagement

When it comes to gauging employee satisfaction, surveys and questionnaires are the unsung heroes.

They provide critical insights to support HR decision-making.

So, whether you favor survey or questionnaire in the survey vs. questionnaire debate, both play a significant role.

Essentially, they’re like two sides of the same coin.

What are the Key Features of a Survey Design?

Unraveling the key features in survey vs. questionnaire debate.

Let’s dive in.

Below’s a closer look at the key features of survey design:

• Measurable Survey Objectives

Objectives and goals are your North Star guide for your survey design. They should be measurable, giving a clear direction to your exploration.

• Sound Research Design

Research design is the blueprint of your survey research exercise.

It ensures the survey stays on track, paving the way for solid findings.

• Effective Survey Question Design

The effectiveness of a survey lies in its questions.

Well-designed questions are like arrows hitting the bullseye. They can help you establish meaningful interactions with your respondents.

• Strategic Sampling

A sound sampling strategy ensures you get a representative slice of your audience.

• Meaningful Data Summary

Once the data is in, it’s time to extract insights. Chart and graphs, such as Likert Scale Chart, transform raw responses into powerful insights.

So, in the survey vs. questionnaire debate, understanding the key features of survey design is essential.

It’s like having a roadmap to navigate the data collection and analysis landscape.

How to Analyze Survey and Questionnaire Reports

Once you’ve gathered survey data, it’s time to transfer your data to spreadsheet tools like Excel for further analysis.

While Excel may have been a trusty companion for organizing data, it lacks charts for visualizing survey and questionnaire data.

This is where ChartExpo comes in.

ChartExpo is no ordinary tool. it’s a powerful Excel add-in that will revolutionize the way you analyze survey data. With its intuitive interface and multiple surveys and questionnaire-based charts, it effortlessly transforms your data into compelling narratives.

You don’t need to be a coding genius to use ChartExpo.

Among ChartExpo’s questionnaire and survey-based graphs is the Likert Scale Chart.

This chart is like a magnifying glass. It can help you uncover hidden trends, patterns, and insights in your survey or questionnaire data.

Take advantage of ChartExpo’s free 7-day trial to experience its full potential. After the trial, for a mere $10 per month, you can extract as many insights from your questionnaire and survey data.

How to Install ChartExpo in Excel

In the coming section, we’ll use a scenario, ChartExpo, and sample data to demonstrate how you can leverage a Likert Scale to visualize your questionnaire or survey data.

Before we dive into this, we’ll show you how to install ChartExpo in Excel.

Let’s imagine you operate an ice cream shop. You’ve created a survey form to gather customer feedback.

Let’s assume you used the questions below.

• Do you like our ice cream flavors?
• Do you like our cleanliness standards?
• Will you recommend it to your friends and family?

Let’s further assume you gathered the data as depicted by the table below.

To get started with ChartExpo in Excel, follow the steps below:

• Open your Microsoft Excel.
• Open the worksheet and click the Insert button to access the My Apps

• Click the Insert button to initiate the ChartExpo engine.

• Click the Search box and type “Likert Scale Chart.”

• Highlight your data and click the Create Chart From Selection button, as shown below.

• Use the multiple-choice responses you deployed in your survey to gather responses to map your Likert Scale Chart.

In our case, we’ll use the following multiple-choice responses:

Strongly Disagree=1

Disagree=2

Neither agree nor disagree=3

Agree=4

Strongly Agree=5

• To add the chart header, click the Edit Chart

• Once the Chart Header Properties window shows, fill in your header in Line 1, as shown.

• Toggle the small button below Line 2 to the right side to activate the header.
• Click the Apply button, as shown above.

• To edit the legend properties, click the pencil-like icon on the X-axis.
• Once the Legend Properties, fill in your legend below the Text
• Click the Apply All button, as shown above.
• Click the Save Changes button to preserve all the changes.
• Check out the final Likert Scale chart below.

Insights

Over half of the customers, (55%), can recommend the brand to others. However, a quarter of the customers, 25%, cannot recommend the brand to others.

• When it came to cleaning services, 60% of the customers acknowledged their satisfaction. Yet, there’s room for improvement. And this is because 40% expressed their discontent.
• The ice cream flavors seemed to delight 45% of customers. However, 35% disagree with this. Meanwhile, 20% chose not to answer.
• Overall, 54% of customers expressed their satisfaction. However, 34% voiced their discontent. Only 13% maintained a neutral stance.

FAQs:

Which is better: a survey or a questionnaire?

The choice between a survey and a questionnaire depends on your needs.

Surveys are great for gathering broad data from many respondents. On the other hand, questionnaires are ideal for in-depth, qualitative responses from a smaller audience.

Can a questionnaire be used as a survey?

Yes,  you can use a questionnaire as a survey.

A survey often involves using a questionnaire— a set of questions given to respondents. However, a survey encompasses more than just the questionnaire. And this is because it includes elements such as sampling, data collection, etc.

Are online surveys more effective than paper-based surveys?

Online surveys offer advantages over paper-based surveys.

Some of the advantages include cost efficiency, speed of data collection, and easy data analysis.

They also allow you to reach a broader, geographically diverse audience. However, their effectiveness depends on the target population’s internet access.

Wrap Up

In wrapping up this, we’ve taken a journey through the landscape of surveys vs. questionnaires.

Remember, it’s not about pitting a survey against a questionnaire. They’re more like teammates. Each brings unique strengths to the research and data collection game.

Let’s not forget our secret weapon, ChartExpo.

This Excel add-in can turn your survey or questionnaire data into vivid, understandable stories.

With ChartExpo, you’re not just reading numbers. You’re seeing the big picture, spotting trends, and unearthing insights.

ChartExpo offers a free 7-day trial. After that, it’s just $10 per month.

Turn your data into compelling narratives with ChartExpo today.