Q: If I submit two papers for two different countries based on the same questionnaire, would it be considered a case of salami slicing?

Based on the information you have provided, it does seem to be a case of salami slicing. Although the populations for the two papers are different, the methodology (questionnaire) is the same. Also, the research question is possibly the same (although we have no way of knowing as this information isn’t provided).

The need for it to be two different papers may depend on whether it is qualitative or quantitative research, but even then, it can be only one paper. Additionally, it may depend on the findings/data. If the data from the respondents of the two countries are very diverse, perhaps leading in two separate directions, it may be reason to make it two papers. However, then too, it could perhaps be one paper: the paper could discuss the differences in reactions and responses to the same challenge or problem by people from different countries.

In case you are concerned that as one paper, this might become quite long, you could address that by presenting your data through tables and graphs (as it is based on a questionnaire).

So, in summary, this would be one paper, unless you believe there is a very strong reason to make it two papers. Hope that helps. And all the best for the paper(s)! :-)

For more perspectives on the issue, you may also refer to these previous queries by other users:

• Would my case be considered one of salami slicing?
• Is it salami slicing if I publish two papers from two different data sets taken from the same participants?
• If the dataset and method for two papers are the same but the result is different, would they be considered a case of salami slicing?