Gathering data through surveys is a long-standing practice. As a versatile method, surveys can provide valuable insights, provided they are deployed effectively.

Most AI survey tools still rely on forms. BetterFeedback replaces forms with AI conversations by chat or voice.

This article explores five common survey types and introduces how a conversation-first approach improves data collection.

What is a Questionnaire?

A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions designed to gather information from a specific group of people. The goal is to test a hypothesis. Questionnaires can be broadly categorized into qualitative and quantitative methods.

  • Qualitative Method: Explores "how" and "why." It is often used when there isn't a predefined list of questions, and it is more effective to explore themes through dialogue.
  • Quantitative Method: Focuses on statistical analysis. All respondents are asked the same questions. Surveys are a common method for gathering quantitative data.

Researchers often use both approaches to gather comprehensive data.

Reframe Traditional Surveys with Conversation-First Feedback

Traditionally, questionnaires rely on static questions presented in a form-like format. But what if you could replace those forms with engaging AI-powered conversations?

BetterFeedback transforms the feedback process by replacing forms with dynamic, human-like conversational surveys and interviews delivered via chat or voice. This method encourages more natural and detailed responses, leading to higher completion rates and richer data.

Benefits of Conversation-First Feedback

  • Higher Quality Responses: Experience ~10x higher response quality.
  • Increased Completion Rates: See 3x higher completion rates.
  • More Engaging Experience: Adaptive, human-like dialogue compared to static forms.
  • Goal-Based Creation: Launch conversational surveys in ~60 seconds.
  • AI-Powered Assistance: Leverage templates and AI question suggestions.
  • Multimodal Responses: Collect feedback via voice or chat.
  • Instant Insights: Access AI summaries, sentiment analysis, and real-time tracking.
  • Global Reach: Conduct surveys in 30+ languages automatically.

5 Common Types of Questionnaires

While numerous specialized questionnaires exist (e.g., customer satisfaction, exit interviews), these five types form the foundation of many data collection efforts:

1. Online Questionnaire

An online questionnaire is administered and distributed via the internet. Online questionnaires are cost-effective, saving on printing and distribution costs. They also allow you to gather data from a geographically diverse audience.

BetterFeedback elevates the online questionnaire experience by transforming it into a dynamic conversational survey. The AI adapts the conversation based on previous answers, digging deeper into specific areas of interest and generating more valuable insights. Share a link or embed a widget to get started.

2. Telephone Questionnaire

This involves collecting data from respondents over the phone. The researcher directly asks relevant questions. This method can be useful when you need immediate answers, but it can be expensive.

BetterFeedback expands the telephone questionnaire with AI. An AI facilitates the conversation, adapting the questions and follow-ups.

3. Face-to-Face Questionnaire

Face-to-face questionnaires allow researchers to interact directly with respondents, gathering both qualitative and quantitative data. This method allows for a deeper understanding of context and non-verbal cues.

BetterFeedback replicates the benefits of face-to-face interaction through AI. The AI is trained to understand nuances in responses, ask clarifying questions, and build rapport, creating a more natural and insightful conversation.

4. Mail Questionnaire

A mail questionnaire is delivered to respondents. It allows respondents to answer at their convenience and can ensure anonymity. However, response rates are often low.

5. E-mail Questionnaire

Email questionnaires are distributed via email. They are useful for gathering quick responses to straightforward questions. However, emails can be marked as spam, lowering response rates.

Crafting Effective Survey Questions

Choosing the right question types depends on your goals. Here are some common types:

A. Closed-Ended Questions

Offer respondents a predetermined list of options. These are easy to analyze but may limit the depth of responses.

  • Dichotomous ("Yes/No") Questions: Simple to analyze and useful for filtering respondents.
  • Multiple-Choice Questions: Provide several answer options (single or multiple selections).
  • Checkbox Questions: Allow respondents to select multiple answers.

B. Categorical Questions

Used to obtain a quick count of opinions or preferences.

C. Interval/Ratio Questions

Use scales to measure opinions or attitudes.

  • Opinion Scale Questions: Ask respondents to evaluate a topic on a predefined scale.
  • Likert Scale Questions: Allow respondents to express their agreement or disagreement with a statement on a 5- or 7-point scale.
  • Matrix Questions: Present a series of questions using rating or Likert scales.

D. Open-Ended Questions

Allow respondents to provide free-form answers in a text field. This provides richer, more detailed insights but can be more challenging to analyze.

BetterFeedback excels at capturing and analyzing open-ended responses within a conversational survey. The AI can identify key themes, perform sentiment analysis, and summarize the feedback, saving you time and effort.

E. Dropdown Selection Questions

Provide a drop-down list of options, useful when presenting a large number of choices.

BetterFeedback Use Cases

  • usability testing
  • concept testing
  • website feedback
  • prototype testing
  • continuous discovery
  • brand sentiment
  • foundational research
  • churn interviews.

Level Up Your Feedback

Traditional questionnaires serve a purpose, but they often lack the depth and engagement of a real conversation. BetterFeedback replaces static forms with dynamic AI-powered conversations, unlocking richer insights and higher quality data.

Ready to transform your feedback process? Try a free conversational survey on BetterFeedback today! https://app.betterfeedback.ai/signup