Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

What is the focus of formative evaluation in program assessment?

1. Measuring the final success of a program.

2. Providing ongoing feedback for improvements.

3. Collecting data post-program implementation.

4. Identifying trends over multiple years.

The correct answer is: Providing ongoing feedback for improvements.

The focus of formative evaluation in program assessment is on providing ongoing feedback for improvements. This type of evaluation is conducted during the development and implementation phases of a program, allowing stakeholders to assess how well the program is functioning in real time. By doing so, formative evaluation enables adjustments to be made as needed, promoting continuous improvement and helping to enhance the overall effectiveness of the program. The main goal of formative evaluation is to foster a cycle of reflection and adaptation, ensuring that any issues can be identified and addressed promptly. This process is particularly valuable in educational and clinical settings, where immediate feedback can facilitate timely modifications to strategies and interventions, ultimately leading to better outcomes. In contrast, other evaluation types, such as summative evaluation, focus on measuring the final success of a program or collecting data post-implementation for long-term assessments, which do not allow for immediate changes based on feedback.