What is meant by passive data collection?

Passive data collection refers to the process of gathering information without direct interaction with individuals or requiring their active participation. This means that data is collected automatically, often through various means such as sensors, tracking devices, or digital footprints, without the need for surveys, interviews, or other forms of active engagement with participants.

Examples of passive data collection include monitoring usage patterns on websites, analyzing social media behavior, or using IoT devices to gather environmental data. This approach allows for the collection of large volumes of data in a more unobtrusive manner, providing valuable insights while minimizing the burden on participants. The nature of passive data collection makes it particularly effective in scenarios where consistent or continuous data needs to be gathered without interrupting the subjects being observed.