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Summative evaluation is characterized by its focus on assessing the overall effectiveness of a program after it has been completed. This type of evaluation is typically conducted at the end of a program or project and aims to determine whether the intended outcomes and objectives have been achieved. It provides valuable insights into the impact of the program and helps stakeholders make informed decisions about future initiatives, resource allocation, and program modifications.

In contrast, formative evaluations, which are conducted during program development or implementation, emphasize continuous improvement and real-time feedback. Additionally, while qualitative data can play a role in any type of evaluation, summative evaluations often rely more on quantitative data to assess the program's success comprehensively. Finally, intermittent evaluations occur during the ongoing implementation of a program, further distinguishing them from summative evaluations that focus on outcomes after completion. Thus, the defining characteristic of summative evaluation lies in its retrospective assessment of effectiveness following the program's conclusion.