Questionnaires and Surveys

Though there is variance (which will be discussed further details shortly), both questionnaires and surveys have the ability to extract precise information from participants, as it relates to the topic or their unique, relevant experiences.

A question near typically presents a batch of questions in an open-ended or multiple selection formats. A survey may use questions or statements that require participants to discuss or rate their perspective or how well they relate. Surveys are often positioned as a way for participants to share their opinions.

Despite any difference in purpose or common positioning or use, both questionnaires and surveys present questions or statements in a way to extract information or data that can be used to conduct research and address specific topics or a particular aspect of a topic.

Questionnaires and surveys are crafted in a way that aims to influence the way participants respond so that the data is relevant to the cause and topic. To begin constructing a questionnaire or survey that will likely satisfy the intent, it’s helpful to know the reason for the anticipated data is needed, how the data will or may be applied, and who is ideal to provide relevant and accurate (when appropriate) information.

View the image below for an example presenting the results from a survey done by Cisco, a networking technology company seeking to gain insight into customers’ expectation and challenges.

References

Cisco Global Cloud Networking Survey [Digital image]. (2012, May 8). Retrieved April 11, 2019, from https://www.cisco.com/assets/sol/bn/cloudsurvey_infographic.html

KATE KELLEY, BELINDA CLARK, VIVIENNE BROWN, JOHN SITZIA, Good practice in the conduct and reporting of survey research, International Journal for Quality in Health Care, Volume 15, Issue 3, May 2003, Pages 261–266, https://doi.org/10.1093/intqhc/mzg031