Final answer:
The scenario where a company uses immediate feedback from employees to improve training sessions is an example of a formative evaluation. It is aimed at enhancing training effectiveness through continuous feedback and refinement.
option c is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of evaluation best described by the scenario given—where a beauty-supply store in Pennsylvania trains employees on a new point-of-sale (POS) system, and then uses the attendees' feedback to modify future training sessions—is a formative evaluation.
A formative evaluation is part of an ongoing process that aims to improve the training's effectiveness. It contrasts with a summative evaluation, which assesses the training's overall success after it has been fully implemented. In this case, the feedback is collected during the initial stages to make improvements before the training is provided to all stores, hence it falls under formative evaluation.
The referenced studies, including the 2003 study by Arthur et al., support the idea that immediate response to training (one of the four types of measurement) is relevant for evaluating the efficacy of organizational training programs. Immediate feedback like in the scenario helps the organization determine the training's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments for better outcomes.
By incorporating the feedback from the Pennsylvania location and applying it to subsequent trainings, the company adopts a systematic approach to optimize the training program before a wider rollout. This illustrates the value of formative assessments in achieving successful training outcomes.