{"id":9823,"date":"2025-04-02T05:25:03","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T05:25:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surveys.gobranded.com\/blog\/?p=9823"},"modified":"2025-04-02T05:27:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T05:27:59","slug":"surveys-vs-questionnaires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/surveys.gobranded.com\/blog\/surveys-vs-questionnaires\/","title":{"rendered":"The Branded Surveys Guide to Surveys vs. Questionnaires"},"content":{"rendered":"

Surveys vs. Questionnaires – What’s the Difference?<\/h1>\n

Although many people use the terms questionnaires and surveys interchangeably, they aren\u2019t the same thing. Both typically ask a series of questions, but the similarities end there.<\/p>\n

Learn what the difference between surveys and questionnaires are before you start taking online surveys with us at Branded Surveys. Once you understand the difference, you will also understand why we pay users to take surveys, not questionnaires.<\/p>\n

What are Surveys and Questionnaires?<\/h2>\n

Since you can\u2019t use the terms survey or questionnaire interchangeably, it\u2019s important to understand what each one does and what purpose it serves.<\/p>\n

Questionnaires ask a series of questions, but they don\u2019t use the responses for research \u2013 they\u2019re just collecting information. They usually have a narrow scope, audience and length. For example, if a company is hiring for a new position, they might ask applicants to fill out a questionnaire to learn more about their employment and education history. The company uses this data to help them select their candidate \u2013 that\u2019s all.<\/p>\n

A survey, on the other hand, uses a series of questions for research purposes. Surveys usually compare results over time and track changes connected to those results. To use a survey for research, you must analyze the responses you receive to gather data and draw insight. Researchers look for trends, behaviors, strengths and weaknesses. Companies will often use surveys for market research to pinpoint problems in their problems or services. After learning what their problems are from survey responses, they will make changes and then later send out another survey to understand user reactions.<\/p>\n

When Should I Use a Survey or Questionnaire?<\/h2>\n

Your circumstances and needs will determine whether you should use a survey vs. questionnaire.<\/p>\n

When to Use a Survey<\/h3>\n

If your goal is to collect information with the intent to use it for research and analysis, you will use a survey.<\/p>\n

Surveys are commonly used for:<\/p>\n