Final answer:
The purpose of a formative evaluation is to offer feedback for improvement during the development of an initiative, rather than assess final outcomes. Option 'c. The initiative's effect on the performance goals' is not a purpose of a formative evaluation as this relates more to summative evaluations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In formative evaluation, the focus is generally on the ongoing improvement of a process or program before it is finalized. When determining which one is not the purpose of a formative evaluation, it is important to consider that the objective is to provide feedback so that improvements can be made as necessary. Among the options provided:
a. Determine if the real root cause has been identified
b. Determine if the initiatives are properly designed and selected
c. The initiative's effect on the performance goals
d. Check to see if the initiative is working
The correct answer derives out of the usual scope of formative evaluations, which are primarily focused on ongoing development rather than assessing final outcomes. Thus, 'c. The initiative's effect on the performance goals' is not typically a purpose of a formative evaluation since this tends to be more characteristic of a summative evaluation which takes place after the implementation of the initiative to assess its overall success or impact.