Interview vs. Survey: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 9, 2023
An interview is a one-on-one conversation, often for assessment or information gathering, while a survey is a method to gather data from multiple participants using a standardized set of questions.
Difference Between Interview and Survey
An interview and a survey are both methods of gathering information, but they serve different purposes and are conducted differently. An interview involves a conversation between the interviewer and the interviewee. It's typically face-to-face, though it can be over the phone or virtually. Interviews allow for in-depth discussions, enabling the interviewer to explore detailed responses. In contrast, a survey consists of a set of standardized questions provided to multiple respondents, often without direct interaction between the surveyor and the participant.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
The depth of information garnered varies between interviews and surveys. In an interview, questions can be open-ended, allowing for comprehensive answers, and the interviewer can adapt or probe based on the interviewee's responses. This results in qualitative data that can offer insights into perceptions, beliefs, or feelings. Surveys, however, are structured and are designed to collect quantitative data. While open-ended questions can be present in surveys, they usually contain closed-ended questions that yield statistical data.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
The reach and scalability differ for interviews and surveys. An interview is time-consuming and typically involves only a few participants, making it less scalable than surveys. Surveys, given their standardized nature, can be distributed to a large number of participants simultaneously, especially with online platforms. This makes surveys a suitable choice for gathering broad data from a larger population.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
While interviews offer depth and specificity, they might not be representative of a larger group. The insights gained from a few interviewees might not generalize to a broader population. Surveys, on the other hand, due to their wider reach, can provide a more representative snapshot of larger groups. However, surveys might not delve into the nuances or complexities of individual experiences as interviews can.
Levi
Sep 09, 2023
Interview vs. Survey Comparison Chart
Primary Purpose
In-depth conversation for specific insights.
Gather data from many participants quickly.
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Sep 09, 2023
Interactivity
Direct, with back-and-forth dialogue.
Indirect, with standardized questions.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Representativeness
May not be representative of a larger group.
Can be more representative of a broader group.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Interview vs. Survey Definitions
◉Interview
An interview is a face-to-face conversation between two parties.
She attended the interview for the manager's position.
Elijah
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
Surveys can be used for research, marketing, or public opinion.
The marketing team's survey helped shape the new product.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Interview
An interview can provide in-depth information or insights.
The celebrity's interview revealed his struggles and successes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
A survey can also mean a detailed inspection or examination of something.
The engineer conducted a survey of the building's foundation.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Interview
An interview can be a method of evaluation or assessment.
After the interview, they felt he was the best fit for the role.
Levi
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
To look over the parts, features, or contents of; view broadly
surveyed the neighborhood from a rooftop.
surveyed the shelves in the pantry.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A formal meeting in person, especially one arranged for the assessment of the qualifications of an applicant.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To look at or examine carefully and appraise
surveyed the storm damage. ].
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A conversation, such as one conducted by a reporter, in which facts or statements are elicited from another.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of a particular group of items, in order to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality.
A survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of any part of the Earth's surface.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
A measured plan and description of any portion of country.
The owners of the adjoining plots had conflicting surveys.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
An examination of the opinions of a group of people.
The local council conducted a survey of its residents to help it decide whether to go ahead with the roadside waste collection service.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
(obsolete) An official face-to-face meeting of monarchs or other important figures.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
A questionnaire or similar instrument used for examining the opinions of a group of people.
I just filled out that survey on roadside waste pick-up.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
Any face-to-face meeting, especially of an official or adversarial nature.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
(historical) An auction at which a farm is let for a lease for lives.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A conversation in person (or, by extension, over the telephone, Internet etc.) between a journalist and someone whose opinion or statements he or she wishes to record for publication, broadcast etc.
The reporter gave the witness an interview.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
(US) A district for the collection of customs under a particular officer.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A formal meeting, in person, for the assessment of a candidate or applicant.
It was a dreadful interview; I have no hope of getting the job.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook
He stood on a hill, and surveyed the surrounding country.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A police interrogation of a suspect or party in an investigation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of
It was his job to survey buildings in order to determine their value and risks.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
(transitive) To ask questions of (somebody); to have an interview.
He interviewed the witness.
The witness was interviewed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurements, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry
to survey land or a coast
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A mutual sight or view; a meeting face to face; usually, a formal or official meeting for consultation; a conference; as, the secretary had an interview with the President.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To investigate the opinions, experiences, etc., of people by asking them questions; to conduct a survey; to administer a questionnaire.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
A conversation, or questioning, for the purpose of eliciting information for publication; the published statement so elicited.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To inspect, or take a view of; to view with attention, as from a high place; to overlook; as, to stand on a hill, and survey the surrounding country.
Round he surveys and well might, where he stood,So high above.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
To have an interview with; to question or converse with, especially for the purpose of obtaining information for publication.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To view with a scrutinizing eye; to examine.
With such altered looks, . . . All pale and speechless, he surveyed me round.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
the questioning of a person (or a conversation in which information is elicited); often conducted by journalists;
my interviews with teen-agers revealed a weakening of religious bonds
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To examine with reference to condition, situation, value, etc.; to examine and ascertain the state of; as, to survey a building in order to determine its value and exposure to loss by fire.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
a conference (usually with someone important);
he had a consultation with the judge
he requested an audience with the king
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To determine the form, extent, position, etc., of, as a tract of land, a coast, harbor, or the like, by means of linear and angular measurments, and the application of the principles of geometry and trigonometry; as, to survey land or a coast.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
conduct an interview in television, newspaper, and radio reporting
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
To examine and ascertain, as the boundaries and royalties of a manor, the tenure of the tenants, and the rent and value of the same.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
discuss formally with (somebody) for the purpose of an evaluation;
We interviewed the job candidates
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
The act of surveying; a general view, as from above.
Under his proud survey the city lies.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
go for an interview in the hope of being hired;
The job candidate interviewed everywhere
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
A particular view; an examination, especially an official examination, of all the parts or particulars of a thing, with a design to ascertain the condition, quantity, or quality; as, a survey of the stores of a ship; a survey of roads and bridges; a survey of buildings.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
Interviews can be formal or informal in nature.
He had an informal interview over coffee with the CEO.
Kaitlyn
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
The operation of finding the contour, dimensions, position, or other particulars of, as any part of the earth's surface, whether land or water; also, a measured plan and description of any portion of country, or of a road or line through it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Interview
An interview can be a medium for broadcast or publication.
The president's interview will be aired tonight at 9 PM.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
the act of looking or seeing or observing;
he tried to get a better view of it
his survey of the battlefield was limited
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
consider in a comprehensive way;
He appraised the situation carefully before acting
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
look over in a comprehensively, inspect;
He surveyed his new classmates
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
keep under surveillance;
The police had been following him for weeks but they could not prove his involvement in the bombing
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Survey
A survey is a method of collecting data from people using standardized questions.
The company conducted a survey to understand customer preferences.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
Surveys can be conducted online, on paper, or in person.
The online survey received over 10,000 responses.
Olivia
Sep 09, 2023
◉Survey
A survey aims to gather information from a sample to infer about a larger population.
The national survey indicated a shift in public opinion.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Interview vs. Survey Frequently Asked Questions
And how does a survey typically function?
A survey gathers data from many participants using standardized questions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
How about surveys in terms of data?
Surveys are usually quantitative, yielding statistical data.
Jonathan
Sep 09, 2023
Can interviews adapt to the participant's responses?
Yes, interviewers can adjust questions based on the interviewee's answers.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
What is the primary purpose of an interview?
An interview is for in-depth conversation to gain specific insights.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Are survey questions usually flexible during the process?
No, survey questions are standardized and remain consistent for all participants.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Which method, interview or survey, is more scalable?
Surveys are more scalable due to their ability to reach many participants simultaneously.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Can a survey be used to get in-depth personal stories?
Surveys are typically broad and might not capture the depth of individual experiences as interviews can.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Are interviews more qualitative or quantitative?
Interviews are typically more qualitative, focusing on detailed responses.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Can interviews provide a snapshot of a larger group's opinion?
Interviews might not be as representative of a broader group as surveys.
Elijah
Sep 09, 2023
Which method can be broadcasted or published for audiences?
Interviews, especially with notable personalities, are often broadcasted or published for viewers or readers.
Lucas
Sep 09, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
