Final answer:
Formative evaluation is the type that provides data on the clarity, complexity, and relevance of a training program, involving both qualitative data from interviews and open-ended questions, as well as quantitative data like number of times a task is performed and duration of time spend on tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of evaluation that provides data on the clarity, complexity, and relevance of a training program is known as formative evaluation. Formative evaluation refers to the assessment that takes place during the process of program development and implementation. This evaluation is essential to ensure the training program meets its objectives and is effective for participants.
Formative evaluations might include in-depth interviews, analysis of content sources, focus groups, or questionnaires that contain open-ended questions providing qualitative data. These data help to uncover the immediate response of employees to the training, their learning outcomes, observed behavior changes, as well as the impact on productivity and profits. Effective formative evaluations take into account the specific needs of a program, including its complexity and cost, aligning the evaluation methods with the program objectives.
Quantitative discrete data, such as the number of times per week a task is performed (quantitative discrete), or quantitative continuous data, such as the duration of time spent on a particular task (quantitative continuous), can also be collected during this type of evaluation to further inform the assessment process and ensure that results are useful and usable for program managers.