Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the main difference between process evaluation and summative evaluation?

1. Process evaluation deals with patients, summative deals with the organization

2. The purpose of process evaluation is to make adjustments; summative evaluation determines effectiveness

3. The scope of formative evaluation is small, where summative encompasses a longer period

4. The object of formative evaluation is to identify gaps, while summative is for data compilation

The correct answer is: The purpose of process evaluation is to make adjustments; summative evaluation determines effectiveness

The main difference between process evaluation and summative evaluation lies in their respective purposes. Process evaluation focuses on the implementation of a program or intervention, examining how well it is implemented, the activities involved, and the participation of stakeholders. This type of evaluation gathers feedback that can be used to make adjustments and improve the program in real-time, ensuring it is delivered as intended. In contrast, summative evaluation takes place at the conclusion of a program or intervention. Its primary aim is to determine the effectiveness of the program by assessing outcomes and impacts against the original objectives. Summative evaluation measures whether the intended results were achieved and provides a comprehensive assessment of the overall effectiveness of the intervention. Understanding this distinction highlights why the second option is the correct answer, emphasizing the different functions that each type of evaluation serves within program development and assessment.