Formative evaluation versus summative evaluation: which statement is correct?

Formative evaluation versus summative evaluation: which statement is correct?

• A. Formative evaluation provides feedback during implementation; summative evaluates effectiveness at the end
• B. Formative emphasizes final outcomes; summative emphasizes process
• C. Formative is only for cost analysis
• D. Formative and summative evaluations are interchangeable

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that formative evaluation is an ongoing process that provides feedback during implementation to improve how the program is being carried out, while summative evaluation is done after the program ends to judge its overall effectiveness and outcomes. So the statement that formative evaluation provides feedback during implementation and summative evaluates effectiveness at the end is the correct one. The other option flips this focus and is therefore incorrect. Formative isn’t only about cost analysis; it’s about improvement during execution. And formative and summative evaluations aren’t interchangeable—they are used at different times for different purposes.

The key idea is that formative evaluation is an ongoing process that provides feedback during implementation to improve how the program is being carried out, while summative evaluation is done after the program ends to judge its overall effectiveness and outcomes. So the statement that formative evaluation provides feedback during implementation and summative evaluates effectiveness at the end is the correct one. The other option flips this focus and is therefore incorrect. Formative isn’t only about cost analysis; it’s about improvement during execution. And formative and summative evaluations aren’t interchangeable—they are used at different times for different purposes.