What is the primary use of summative evaluation?

The primary use of summative evaluation is to assess the overall impact and outcomes of a program after its completion. This type of evaluation is conducted once a program has been fully implemented and aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness. By focusing on the end results, summative evaluation helps stakeholders understand whether the program achieved its intended goals and objectives.

This evaluation approach is often utilized to make decisions about the continuation, expansion, or funding of a program. It gathers data on the extent to which the program has succeeded in meeting its targets, which can ultimately inform future initiatives. In this context, summative evaluation plays a crucial role in improving accountability and guiding strategic decisions based on tangible outcomes.

In contrast, the other options revolve around formative processes or ongoing program support, which are not the primary focus of summative evaluation. The first option is more aligned with formative evaluation, which aims to improve processes during delivery, while the second option relates to ongoing assessments that support immediate program activities. The fourth option, focusing on gathering participant feedback, is an aspect of stakeholder engagement that typically occurs during formative evaluation, rather than summative assessment.