What is summative feedback?

• A. Feedback focused on process changes during training
• B. Feedback focused on goal achievement that is generally higher stakes
• C. Feedback focused on day-to-day micro tasks
• D. Feedback focuses on future potential only

Answer: (B)

Summative feedback is feedback given after a learning period or a completed task to judge whether defined goals or outcomes were achieved. It carries higher stakes, such as influencing grades, certifications, or decisions about advancement, because it summarizes overall performance against established criteria. The focus is on the end result and whether the outcome met expectations, rather than on guiding changes as the work is happening. This distinguishes it from formative feedback, which targets ongoing process improvements during the activity.