It really depends on the context, scope and the very objective of one's research. A standard questionnaire is usually applied, with due acknowledgement, in a newer area/ space/ context. But when it is on a new theory/ concept/ methodology, better to develop a new/ unique one, as may be appropriate.
Sometimes scholars also take middle-path, by borrowing a few scales/ instruments/ questionnaires (with due acknowledgement) to have an 'improved'/ revised one.
Developing, piloting and validating a questionnaire can be a whole PhD! The trouble with developing your own questionnaire, however, is that you will not be able to integrate your findings into the literature. It would be unusual to find no suitable questionnaire or scale available, so my advice would be either find a questionnaire suitable for your PhD or make the development of a questionnaire the subject of your PhD, but don't do both.
It really depends on your profile of PhD, the time frame you have to do it, resources, etc.
If you are able to find research questions you are passionate about - go for it as you need this passion to get you from start to finish across years. It is a very difficult question you asked and more specific information and a friendly supervisor should give you the answer you are looking for.
Regards
Questionnaire in a research thesis is one of the most important instruments. It is normal to look for suitable instrument if any was yet produced. Therefore my opinion is that the decision to use or not a ready to use questionnaire has to be made after your study design is ready. Usually ana adapted questionnaire is used in a pilot. The results from the pilot will answer to you if you have to keep working on the questionnire, or just apply it. Good luck and success,
Best wishes,
Lydia
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