What is the primary purpose of a questionnaire?

The primary purpose of a questionnaire is to gather information from a sample of respondents. Questionnaires are designed to collect data directly from individuals in an organized manner, typically utilizing a structured format of questions that can be quantitative, qualitative, or a combination of both. This method allows researchers to collect information efficiently from a larger group, providing valuable insights into trends, attitudes, opinions, or behaviors relevant to their study.

By asking well-crafted questions, researchers can gather statistical data that can be easily analyzed, which is essential for drawing conclusions or making inferences about a population based on a representative sample. This method is particularly advantageous in social sciences and market research, where understanding the perspectives of a group can inform decisions and strategies.

In contrast, the other options reflect different methods or scopes of research that do not align with the primary role of a questionnaire. For example, collecting only qualitative data or conducting interviews involves different processes that focus on deeper exploration or face-to-face interaction rather than the standardized approach of a questionnaire. Similarly, analyzing existing research without participant input is more about literature review and secondary data analysis, which does not involve direct data collection from respondents.