Summative evaluations are conducted to assess what aspect of consultation?

Summative evaluations are primarily focused on assessing the overall effectiveness and outcomes of a consultation process. In this context, the correct answer emphasizes evaluating the final results or outcomes of the consultation, which is essential in determining whether the consultation has achieved its intended goals and effectiveness.

By focusing on the consultation product outcomes, summative evaluations provide insights into the impact of the consultation on the organization or individuals involved. This could include measuring specific changes or improvements resulting from the consultant's recommendations or interventions, which is crucial for understanding the value of the consultation.

Other options might focus on different aspects of the consultation. For instance, assessing the consultant’s skills could provide valuable feedback on performance, but it would not encapsulate the broader outcomes of the consultation itself. Similarly, evaluating the overall consultation process might emphasize the stages or experiences within the consultation but would not directly measure the effectiveness of the outcomes achieved. Preliminary data collection is more about gathering information to inform decision-making rather than evaluating the consultation's results. Thus, the emphasis on outcomes in summative evaluations is what makes this choice the most appropriate.