Surveys vs Forms: Which one is right for you?

Surveys and forms are the two most frequently used methods to carry out any research on the internet. Businesses, marketers, academics, and users from every field need some data points to guide their decision, and forms and surveys are the tools for the job.

While people repeatedly get confused between the two and use the terms interchangeably, one must recognize the distinction to carry out accurate research or even to choose the right method of data collection.

We’ve carefully put together constructive points to clarify any confusion about these two methods of data collection. Let us begin with understanding how a survey differs from a form or a questionnaire.

A survey is a collection of detailed, organized, analyzed, and comprehensive questions collecting all the significant details that are required for the research and also to draft the final feedback. There are several ways to create or build a survey that fulfills the purpose throughout the research. These surveys can go on for a longer time depending upon the observation and analysis required to complete and execute them.

A form, on the other hand, is similar to a survey but is more precise and less detailed. It is a culmination of close-ended as well as subjective, open-ended questions. A form is primarily used for quantitative data collection.

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Now that we are aware of what surveys and forms are in a nutshell, let us hop onto where they are and can be used!

Usecase for Surveys and Forms

Surveys act as the perfect channel for feedback collection and act as a middle ground for comprehensive research. Let us look at scenarios to make use of a survey:

1. To conduct academic research/medical research. 
2. To take feedback from employees/customers.
3. To gather the views/opinions of the general public.
4. To take suggestions from teachers/parents in educational institutions.
5. For training programs in offices.
6. For personalized interviews when individual opinion is needed.
7. To keep up with the changing trends of the time. 
8. To gather confidential data directly from the individual.
9. Collection of qualitative data.

Forms are quick to fill, efficient, and fulfill the purpose of a quick plan of action required for immediate purposes. The use of forms on websites is no longer merely about collecting contact information. Some decades back a form was simply a way to cover a few formalities whereas now new businesses with smart technologies are reaping the benefits of forms in new and intriguing ways all across the globe, online and offline. Organizations have recognized that randomly collecting information often bears zero results and is a waste of time and effort. . Let us consider scenarios where forms come in handy:

1. Signing up for an application.
2. Signing up for an event.
3. Data collection of personal details
4. Easy Registrations
5. To fill out a job application
6. To fill out a quick poll 
7. Yes or No questions
8. Quick feedback from customers like in hotels/restaurants
9. A simple way to place an online order
10. To open a bank account
11. For educational purposes to fill out forms of admission, examination, fees, etc.
12. For administrative purposes to fill tax returns 
13. To derive contact information for future reference.
14. Pre-qualification before the formal meeting with customers
15. Simple and efficient appointment setting
16. Attendance purposes

Comparative analysis of Surveys and Forms

Are you also confused as to when one should rely on survey research or when to choose to get a simple form filled out? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Based on Reliability

Surveys are more reliable as compared to forms because they consist of carefully examined data as compared to the latter. Surveys also clarify the accurate motivation, opinion, and views of the individual to not leave any disparity in research. Consider research being done on why people in a particular area do not like to send their children to school. A survey will capture every aspect of this research subjectively whereas a form will only contain the views of individuals.

Based on the availability of Time

Surveys are generally longer and ask more questions as compared to a form whose job is to task minimum required information and move you to the next step. Consider a situation where a business owner wants to take a quick poll on how the customers are reacting to a particular new product that was launched as a trial product, in such a scenario a form works best whereas a survey will not be a good fit.

Based on Efficiency

Forms save loads of paperwork by finishing the entire process smoothly on any online platform and compiling results in one document to avoid any further confusion as compared to surveys which require a lot of paperwork, for example, a business owner wants to initiate research on their bridal collection for a month by taking feedback from clients, the most efficient way would be a combination of forms, questionnaire, and a comprehensive survey.

Based on Detail

Surveys present you with comprehensive, detailed, and subjective data as compared to forms. For instance - If a school/college wants to conduct a study on the participation of students in co-curricular vs academics, a survey would present all the facts in detail whereas a form will present opinionated reviews.

Professional purposes

The method should be chosen depending on the needs of the employer and their audience. For example - forms make the hiring process super efficient for the employer as well as saves the time of both the parties involved whereas for a specific investment a survey holds higher importance and fetches the employer far greater results in terms of accuracy and information.

Based on accuracy

Surveys are more accurate as compared to forms as they have been conducted with due time and diligence by considering far more elements than those involved in forms. Accuracy is directly proportional to the cross-checking of the data in the research hence surveys stand a higher chance as compared to forms. 

Based on the individual

Surveys present you with deeper insights as the data is collected from a group of people instead of a single individual as is the general case with data collection in forms. 

Based on cost

Surveys require investment and are costly as compared to forms. When building surveys it’s you who will be reaching out to your target audience whereas forms are for people who naturally come to your business and you want to engage with them. For eg: If an individual wants to register for an event, he/she will approach the authority or visit the website to fill out the form whereas if you want feedback on the whole event through a survey then you approach the attendees.

Conclusion

After carefully examining the two methods of data collection, one thing can be designated: surely, these two terms, Surveys, and Forms, cannot be used interchangeably. They are extremely different from one another and serve varying purposes. Being clear about the meaning of the two gives the researcher as well as the participants a clear idea of the purpose of the questions being asked. Surveys and forms have proved to be a successful way to engage your customers to give voice to their concerns and also help any business to thrive with engagement, further lowering the chances of them spending their time and money elsewhere. Forms and surveys have become a building block for the entire user experience workflow. Data collection methods like surveys and forms make your website look intriguing and active as compared to static content.