Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

What type of evaluation presents conclusions about whether a program should be sustained, changed, or eliminated?

1. Needs assessment

2. Implementation evaluation

3. Process evaluation

4. Summative evaluation

The correct answer is: Summative evaluation

The correct choice focuses on summative evaluation, which is designed to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of a program after it has been implemented. This type of evaluation provides crucial information about the program's impact, sustainability, and utility. It aggregates data to help stakeholders determine whether the program is meeting its intended goals and objectives. Through summative evaluations, decision-makers can draw conclusions about whether a program should continue in its current form, require modifications, or be discontinued altogether based on its performance and outcomes. This evaluation occurs at the end of a program cycle and is often linked to accountability and policy decisions. Understanding other types of evaluation adds context. Needs assessments focus on identifying gaps or needs in a community, serving as a preliminary step before a program is designed and implemented. Implementation evaluations look at the processes involved in delivering the program, ensuring that it is being executed as planned. Process evaluations examine how well the program is operating in real-time, monitoring various components during implementation. While these evaluations provide valuable insights, they do not directly address the overarching question of whether a program should be sustained, changed, or eliminated, which is the primary purpose of summative evaluation.