In what type of evaluation would historical data be analyzed to assess program impacts?

Historical data analysis to assess program impacts aligns perfectly with retrospective evaluation. This approach focuses on examining past events or outcomes to understand the effectiveness and results of a program. By analyzing historical data, evaluators can identify trends, patterns, and impacts that have occurred over time, providing a clearer picture of how a program has performed and what changes or improvements may be necessary.

In contrast, formative evaluation typically occurs during the development or implementation phase of a program, focusing on improving its design and performance rather than assessing its historical outcomes. Continuous evaluation evaluates a program in real-time, allowing for ongoing improvements while the program is being executed, and proactive evaluation refers to anticipating and addressing potential issues before they arise, rather than analyzing data after the fact.

Retrospective evaluation is crucial for capturing lessons learned and informing future decisions based on comprehensive analysis of what has already happened.