positive and normative statement

Question 1

What is a positive statement?

Answer 1

A positive statement is a statement of fact that may be right or wrong and whose accuracy can be tested by appealing to the facts.

Examples include ‘Unemployment is rising’ and ‘Inflation will be over 6 per cent by next year’.

Question 2

Can the accuracy of a positive statement be tested?

Answer 2

Yes, the accuracy of a positive statement can be tested by appealing to the facts.

Question 3

What is a normative statement?

Answer 3

A normative statement is a statement of value about what ought or ought not to be, making a judgment about whether something is good or bad.

Examples include ‘It is right to tax the rich more than the poor’ and ‘The government ought to reduce inflation’.

Question 4

Are normative statements provable?

Answer 4

No, normative statements cannot be proved or disproved by a simple appeal to the facts.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: A _______ statement is a statement of fact.

Answer 5

positive

Question 6

Fill in the blank: A _______ statement involves an opinion or value judgment.

Answer 6

normative

Question 7

What types of statements are involved in positive statements?

Answer 7

Statements that can be tested for accuracy based on facts.

Question 8

What types of statements are involved in normative statements?

Answer 8

Statements that express opinions about what is good or bad, desirable or undesirable.

Question 9

True or False: ‘Old-age pensions ought to be increased’ is a positive statement.

Answer 9

False

Question 10

True or False: ‘If the government cuts taxes, imports will rise’ is a normative statement.

Answer 10

False