Question

2. Identify each of the following statements as either positive or normative. (a) Society is better off if we restrict trade with other countries. (b) We should not increase taxes on the rich or the middle class. (c) An increase in the minimum wage will cause more unemployment for teenagers. (d) The government increases spending by providing more health care.

Answer 1

Positive statements is objective and fact based, while number statement is subjective and value based. A positive statement can be verified with the help of evidence or historical events can be approved or disappeared. A normative statement is usually based on an opinion and remains a value judgment that arise from personal perspective feelings, or opinions involved in the decision making process. Positive statement connect, the cause and effect that can be tested for authenticity and applicability, while these for normative statement are generalized recommendation and may be difficult to test or prove with certainty (a) society is better off if we restrict trade with other countries rightarrow positive statement (b) we should not increase terms on the rich or the middle class rightarrow normative statement. (c) An increase in the minimum wage will cause more un employment for teenagers rightarrow positive statement (d) The government increases spending by providing more health care rightarrow positive statement