Difference between Questionnaire and Schedule is explained here in detail.Â
The questionnaire was first developed in London in 1838. This is a method of collecting data from respondents through a series of questions. It focuses more on obtaining standardized answers instead of specific answers. There are 7 different types of Questionnaires.
The schedule is another data collection technique containing statements, questions, and blank spaces to fill up the answers given by the respondents to the enumerator or interviewer.Â
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Difference between Questionnaire and Schedule – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
The major differences between the Questionnaire and Schedule are:
| Questionnaire | Schedule |
| The questionnaire is one of the methods used for data collection. The questionnaire will have many questions, with each question having multiple choices. | The schedule is also one of the methods of data collection. It will have a set of statements, questions and space given to note down the answers. |
| Questionnaire method of data collection is preferred when the respondents are willing to cooperate. In addition, to deploy this method, the respondents need to be literate. | The Schedule method of data collection can be utilised irrespective of the respondent’s literacy. It can be used when the respondents are literate and can be used even when the respondents are illiterate. |
| The type of technique used in the Questionnaire method is Quantitative. | The type of technique used in the Schedule method is Qualitative. |
| In the Questionnaire method, the grouping is made on the basis of different categories like location, age, gender etc. | In the schedule method of data collection, the grouping may exist or may not exist. |
| Informants receive questionnaires through emails, posts and the answers will be given as per instructions given in the cover letter. | Answers in the Schedule method of data collection are filled by research workers/enumerators. |
| In the Questionnaire method, there is no scope for direct personal contact with the respondents. | In the Schedule method, there is direct personal contact of the respondents with the enumerators. |
| The cost incurred in the questionnaire method of data collection is economical in comparison with the schedule. The cost is less even if the sample size used is very large. Predominantly the money is spent on preparing questionnaires only. | The cost incurred in the Schedule method of data collection is very expensive since there is the cost involved in preparing the schedule, cost incurred on enumerators in addition to the training imparted to them. |
| The coverage of the Questionnaire method is extensive as the questionnaires can even be sent to respondents who are not easily accessible. | The coverage of this method is relatively small as there are constraints in sending enumerators to larger areas. |
| In the questionnaire, there is a higher possibility of collecting wrong or incomplete information when respondents are unable to have a clear understanding of the given question. | The possibility of receiving inaccurate answers or incomplete answers due to difficulties in understanding the question can be ruled out in this method of data collection as the enumerators will be present and they can resolve any doubts and queries of respondents. |
| In the Questionnaire method, respondents will get sufficient time to think before answering questions. | The time available for respondents while answering questions is limited in the Schedule method when compared to the Questionnaire method. |
| In Questionnaires, responses are filled by the respondents. | In Schedule, method responses are filled by the enumerators themselves. |
| In the Questionnaire method, there is no scope for bias or the answers getting influenced by the interviewer’s thought process as the answers are filled by the respondents themselves. | In the Schedule method of data collection, there is scope for bias or the answers getting influenced by the enumerator as the answers to the questions are filled by enumerators although the answers are given by the respondents. |
| The response rate of the Questionnaire method is low compared to the Schedule method. | The response rate in the Schedule method of data collection is high. |
| In the Questionnaire method, the identity of the respondent is not known. | In the Schedule method, the identity of the respondent is known. |
| The Questionnaire quality determines the success of the questionnaire method of data collection. | The success of the Schedule method of data collection is dependent on the efficiency, integrity and honesty of the Schedule method of data collection. |
After learning about the differences between Questionnaire and Schedule methods of data collection, visit the below-given links to learn more about Statistics Optional for UPSC Mains Exam, and important details pertaining to the Economic Survey, NSSO, and measurements of National Income. Also, refer to the Economics Notes for UPSC Exam.
- Strategy for Statistics Optional
- Statistics Optional Syllabus – UPSC Mains Exam
- Economic Survey 2023 – Definition, Importance
- National Sample Survey Office – Merger with CSOÂ
- Measurements of National Income – Product, Value-Added & Expenditure Method
- Economics and Indian Economy Notes – UPSC Civil Service Exam
- Strategy for Sociology Optional – Syllabus, Books for UPSC Exam
- Difference between Sociology and Political Science
- Difference between Sociology and Public Administration
Difference between Questionnaire and Schedule – UPSC Notes:- Download PDF Here
Candidates can find the general pattern of the UPSC Civil Service Exam by visiting the UPSC Syllabus page.
UPSC Preparation
| IAS Salary | Static GK |
| Topic-Wise GS 1 Questions in UPSC Mains | Topic-Wise GS 2 Questions in UPSC Mains |
| Topic-Wise GS 3 Questions in UPSC Mains | Topic-Wise GS 1 Questions in UPSC Mains |
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