What is the Difference Between Poll and Survey?

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The main difference between a poll and a survey lies in the number of questions and the depth of information they aim to collect. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Poll: A poll is a simple tool used to gather public opinion on a single question or issue. It typically involves multiple-choice questions or yes/no answers. Polls are designed for quick insights and are often used on social media platforms.
  • Survey: A survey is a questionnaire-type form that helps you understand your target audience, such as customers, employees, or colleagues. Surveys allow you to ask multiple questions across a wider range of question types, including comments, email addresses, names, and addresses, as well as multiple-choice questions. They can also have multiple pages with an individual page for each question.

In summary, polls are suitable for obtaining quick, one-dimensional insights, while surveys are better for gathering more in-depth and comprehensive information about a topic or audience.

Comparative Table: Poll vs Survey

The main difference between a poll and a survey lies in the number of questions and the purpose of the data collection. Here is a table summarizing the differences between polls and surveys:

Feature Poll Survey
Number of Questions Focuses on a single question Asks multiple questions
Purpose Gathers quick yes or no answers or provides a choice between two or three options Gathers in-depth information, ideas, suggestions, preferences, and choices using various question types
Data Collection Typically counts the number of individuals who choose a particular option Takes more precise measurements and is used to understand, explain, and make decisions based on the collected data
Examples Predicting the outcome of a sports event Assessing customer satisfaction with a product or service

Polls are simple tools used to gather quick opinions or preferences from a target audience. They are often found on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where polls are integrated into the platform's functionality. Surveys, on the other hand, are more comprehensive and aim to gather detailed information through various question types, such as single-choice, multiple-choice, open-ended, and more. Surveys are used to understand, explain, and make decisions based on the collected data.