Leslie H. Nicoll, PhD, MBA, RN, FAAN
Writer’s Camp Director
Wordcraft at Camp offers bite-size lessons on language, clarity, and scholarly style from the counselors at Writer’s Camp.
Many years ago, my dissertation advisor said to me, “Tools belong in the toolbox.” That advice has stuck with me and I have been fighting an uphill battle ever since.
Rule of Thumb
- Use instrument when referring to a structured, validated measure (survey, scale, checklist). An instrument measures or collects data.
- Use tool when referring more generally to a device or aid (software, coding app, rubric). A tool assists in analysis, interpretation, or organization.
Quick Definition
- An instrument specifically refers to a device, measure, or questionnaire that yields data for analysis.
- A tool can be an aid used in a process for analysis, interpretation, or organization.
In Practice
In addition to using tool when instrument is the correct word, writers sometimes over-combine these terms, saying things like “survey instrument,” “survey questionnaire,” or, worst of all, “instrument tool.” These are redundant — a survey is an instrument, a questionnaire is a type of survey, and a tool is not used for data collection.
- Correct: We used a survey to collect data.
- Correct: We used a questionnaire to collect data.
- Incorrect: We used a survey instrument to collect data.
- Incorrect: We used a survey tool to collect data.
- Why? “Survey instrument” is redundant. “Survey tool” is both redundant and wrong–you collect data with an instrument, not a tool.
- Correct: We used NVivo as a qualitative data analysis tool.
- Incorrect: The PHQ-9 was used as the data collection tool in this study.
- Why? The PHQ-9 is a validated instrument. It is incorrect to call it a tool.
In qualitative studies, you might say “interview guide” or “observation checklist” — both are instruments for gathering data.
Counselor’s Tip
In a research report, select one clear term — usually instrument if you’re writing formally or discussing data collection or measurement validity. You can also refer to your instrument as a survey or questionnaire (if that is what it is) or use its name, such as SF-36 or PHQ-9. Plain, concise wording keeps readers focused on your study rather than your terminology. In general, keep your tools in the toolbox!
Author: Leslie H. Nicoll
Reviewed and Edited by: Marilyn Oermann
Copyright © 2025 Writer’s Camp and Leslie H. Nicoll, CC-BY-ND 4.0
Citation: Nicoll LH. Wordcraft at camp: Instrument vs. tool. The Writer’s Camp Journal, 2025; 1(3): 6. doi:10.5281/zenodo.17391476