Questionnaire vs Interview: Decoding Common Word Mix-Ups

Are you wondering what is the difference between a questionnaire and an interview? Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between the two. In this article, we will explore the nuances of each and help you determine which one is best for your research needs.

Let’s define what each term means. A questionnaire is a written set of questions that are answered by the respondent. The questions can be open-ended or closed-ended, and the respondent can answer them at their own pace. An interview, on the other hand, is a conversation between the interviewer and the respondent. The interviewer asks questions and the respondent answers them in real-time.

While both methods can be used to gather information, they have different strengths and weaknesses. In the following sections, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each method and provide examples of when to use them.

Define Questionnaire

A questionnaire is a research tool that is used to collect data from a group of people. It is a structured set of questions that are written in advance and are presented to the respondents in a particular order. Questionnaires can be administered in various formats, including paper-based, online, and telephone.

Questionnaires can be used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data is numerical data that can be analyzed statistically, while qualitative data is descriptive data that provides insights into the attitudes, opinions, and experiences of the respondents.

Questionnaires are often used in market research, social research, and academic research. They are an efficient way of collecting data from a large number of people, and they can be used to gather information on a wide range of topics.

Define Interview

An interview is a research method that involves a face-to-face conversation between the researcher and the respondent. Interviews can be structured, semi-structured, or unstructured, depending on the research objectives.

Structured interviews involve a set of predetermined questions that are asked in a particular order. Semi-structured interviews allow for some flexibility in the questions asked, while unstructured interviews are more open-ended and allow the respondent to share their thoughts and experiences more freely.

Interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. They are often used in qualitative research to gather detailed information on a particular topic. Interviews can provide rich insights into the attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of the respondents, and can be used to explore complex issues in depth.

Comparison of Questionnaires and Interviews
Questionnaire	Interview
Structured set of questions	Structured, semi-structured, or unstructured
Can be administered in various formats	Often conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing
Efficient way of collecting data from a large number of people	Provides rich insights into the attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of the respondents
Can collect both quantitative and qualitative data	Often used in qualitative research

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in the clarity and effectiveness of your communication. In the context of research, the words “questionnaire” and “interview” are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and uses.

How To Use “Questionnaire” In A Sentence

A questionnaire is a written set of questions used to gather information from a large number of people. When using “questionnaire” in a sentence, it is important to consider the following:

Use “questionnaire” when referring to a written survey or set of questions.
Example: “The researcher distributed a questionnaire to all participants.”
Do not use “questionnaire” when referring to a one-on-one conversation or verbal exchange.
Incorrect example: “The researcher conducted a questionnaire with the participant.”
Instead, use “interview” in this context.

How To Use “Interview” In A Sentence

An interview is a one-on-one conversation between a researcher and a participant, used to gather information in a more in-depth and personal way. When using “interview” in a sentence, it is important to consider the following:

Use “interview” when referring to a one-on-one conversation or verbal exchange.
Example: “The researcher conducted an interview with the participant to gather more detailed information.”
Do not use “interview” when referring to a written survey or set of questions.
Incorrect example: “The researcher distributed an interview to all participants.”
Instead, use “questionnaire” in this context.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to collecting data, many people use the terms questionnaire and interview interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to inaccurate results and wasted time. Below are some of the most common mistakes people make when using questionnaire and interview interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect, and tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

Using A Questionnaire When An Interview Is Needed

One of the most common mistakes people make is using a questionnaire when an interview is needed. A questionnaire is a list of questions that are presented to respondents in written form, while an interview is a conversation between the researcher and the respondent. Questionnaires are best used when the researcher wants to collect data from a large number of people, while interviews are best used when the researcher wants to collect in-depth data from a smaller number of people.

When using a questionnaire instead of an interview, researchers may miss out on important details that can only be obtained through a conversation. For example, a respondent may provide a short answer to a question on a questionnaire, but during an interview, they may provide a more detailed answer that reveals additional information that the researcher was not aware of.

To avoid this mistake, researchers should carefully consider their research goals and determine whether a questionnaire or an interview is the best method for collecting data. If in doubt, it is always better to err on the side of caution and conduct an interview to ensure that all necessary information is collected.

Using An Interview When A Questionnaire Is Needed

Another common mistake people make is using an interview when a questionnaire is needed. Interviews can be time-consuming and may not be necessary for collecting certain types of data. For example, if the researcher is only interested in collecting basic demographic information, a questionnaire may be sufficient.

Using an interview instead of a questionnaire can also lead to biased results. During an interview, the researcher may inadvertently influence the respondent’s answers through their tone of voice or body language. This can lead to inaccurate data that does not reflect the respondent’s true thoughts or feelings.

To avoid this mistake, researchers should carefully consider their research goals and determine whether an interview or a questionnaire is the best method for collecting data. If the researcher only needs basic information, a questionnaire may be sufficient. However, if the researcher needs in-depth information, an interview may be necessary.

Not Considering The Strengths And Weaknesses Of Each Method

Finally, another common mistake people make is not considering the strengths and weaknesses of each method. Questionnaires and interviews each have their own strengths and weaknesses, and researchers should carefully consider these before deciding which method to use.

Questionnaires	Interviews
Can be administered to a large number of people	Can collect in-depth data from a smaller number of people
Can be completed at the respondent’s convenience	Can clarify ambiguous responses and follow up on interesting points
May lead to incomplete or inaccurate responses	Can be time-consuming and expensive

To avoid this mistake, researchers should carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of each method and choose the one that is best suited to their research goals. They should also be aware of the limitations of each method and take steps to mitigate these limitations.

Context Matters

When it comes to collecting data, the choice between using a questionnaire or conducting an interview can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and understanding the context in which they are most appropriate can help ensure that the data collected is accurate and relevant.

Examples Of Different Contexts

One context in which a questionnaire may be more appropriate is when conducting a large-scale study. Questionnaires can be distributed to a large number of participants, making it possible to collect data from a diverse group of people. Additionally, questionnaires can be completed at the participant’s convenience, making it more likely that they will participate.

On the other hand, an interview may be more appropriate in a context where in-depth information is required. For example, if a researcher is studying the experiences of individuals who have undergone a specific medical procedure, an interview may be necessary to gather detailed information about their experiences and perspectives.

Another context in which the choice between questionnaire and interview may depend is the nature of the topic being studied. For example, if the topic is sensitive or personal in nature, participants may be more comfortable completing a questionnaire rather than discussing the topic in an interview. Alternatively, if the topic is complex or requires clarification, an interview may be necessary to ensure that the researcher fully understands the participant’s perspective.

Summary

Ultimately, the choice between using a questionnaire or conducting an interview depends on a variety of factors, including the context in which they are used and the nature of the topic being studied. By carefully considering these factors, researchers can choose the method that is most appropriate for their study, ensuring that the data collected is accurate, relevant, and insightful.

Exceptions To The Rules

While questionnaires and interviews are widely used research methods, there are certain exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply. These exceptions are:

1. Sensitive Topics

When it comes to sensitive topics such as sexual behavior, mental health, or substance abuse, questionnaires might not be the best option. Participants might feel uncomfortable answering such questions in a written format and may be more willing to open up in a face-to-face interview. For instance, a study on the prevalence of sexual abuse among children might require an interview with a trained professional to ensure that the child feels safe and comfortable enough to disclose the information.

2. Complex Issues

Questionnaires might not be suitable for researching complex issues that require more in-depth explanations or clarifications. In such cases, interviews can provide researchers with a better understanding of the participants’ perspectives and thought processes. For example, a study on the impact of climate change on local communities might require interviews with community leaders to gain insight into the challenges they face and the solutions they propose.

3. Limited Access

In some cases, researchers might not have access to the target population or the necessary resources to conduct interviews. For instance, a study on the health outcomes of people living in remote areas might require questionnaires to be mailed to participants due to the difficulty of conducting face-to-face interviews. However, this might result in a lower response rate and less detailed responses compared to interviews.

4. Time Constraints

When time is a constraint, questionnaires might be the preferred option as they can be completed quickly and efficiently. For example, a study on the job satisfaction of employees in a large organization might require a questionnaire to be distributed to all employees due to time constraints. However, this might result in less detailed responses compared to interviews, which can provide researchers with more nuanced insights into the employees’ experiences.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have examined the differences between questionnaires and interviews, it’s time to practice using them in context. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two methods.

Exercise 1: Identify The Method

Read the following scenarios and identify whether a questionnaire or an interview would be the best method to gather information.

Scenario	Method
A company wants to gather feedback from its customers about a new product.
A researcher wants to understand the experiences of individuals who have been diagnosed with a rare disease.
An HR manager wants to screen job applicants for a position.

Answer Key:

Scenario	Method
A company wants to gather feedback from its customers about a new product.	Questionnaire
A researcher wants to understand the experiences of individuals who have been diagnosed with a rare disease.	Interview
An HR manager wants to screen job applicants for a position.	Interview

Exercise 2: Create Questions

Choose one of the scenarios from Exercise 1 and create five questions that would be appropriate for the chosen method.

Answer Key:

Scenario	Method	Sample Questions
A company wants to gather feedback from its customers about a new product.	Questionnaire	1. How satisfied are you with the new product? 2. What did you like about the new product? 3. What did you dislike about the new product? 4. Would you recommend the new product to a friend? 5. How often do you use the new product?
A researcher wants to understand the experiences of individuals who have been diagnosed with a rare disease.	Interview	1. Can you describe your experience with the disease? 2. How has the disease affected your daily life? 3. What treatments have you tried? 4. How has your family been affected by the disease? 5. What advice would you give to others who have been diagnosed with the disease?
An HR manager wants to screen job applicants for a position.	Interview	1. What experience do you have in this field? 2. Can you describe a time when you had to solve a difficult problem? 3. Why do you want to work for this company? 4. How do you handle conflict with coworkers? 5. What are your long-term career goals?

By practicing with these exercises, you will improve your ability to choose the appropriate method and create effective questions for gathering information.

Conclusion

After examining the differences between questionnaires and interviews, it is clear that both methods have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Questionnaires are a great way to gather large amounts of data quickly and efficiently, while interviews allow for more in-depth and personalized responses.

When choosing between the two methods, it is important to consider the research goals and the target audience. If the goal is to gather quantitative data from a large sample size, a questionnaire may be the best option. However, if the goal is to gather qualitative data from a smaller sample size, an interview may be more appropriate.

It is also important to consider the potential biases and limitations of each method. For example, questionnaires may suffer from response bias, while interviews may suffer from interviewer bias.

Overall, the choice between questionnaires and interviews depends on the specific research goals and the target audience. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each method, researchers can make informed decisions about which method to use.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, there is always more to learn. By continuing to explore the nuances of these methods, researchers can improve the accuracy and validity of their research.

Shawn Manaher

Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.