Which evaluation category aims to gather information to help improve the program during its implementation?

The formative evaluation category is designed to gather information during the implementation of a program to facilitate its ongoing improvement. This type of evaluation is focused on the processes and experiences as they occur, allowing instructors and program developers to identify strengths and weaknesses while the program is still in progress. By collecting data in real-time, formative evaluation provides valuable feedback which can be used to make adjustments, improve instructional strategies, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the program before it reaches completion.

In contrast, summative evaluation typically occurs at the end of a program to assess its overall impact and effectiveness, making it less suitable for making immediate adjustments. Regulatory evaluations focus on compliance with established standards and guidelines, rather than on the improvement of the program itself. Comparative evaluations are used to assess differences between programs or methodologies, rather than targeting the enhancement of a single program during its implementation. Thus, formative evaluation stands out as the category specifically geared towards continuous improvement throughout the program's lifecycle.