One way to characterize the difference between positive statements and normative statements is as follows:
A)Positive statements tend to reflect optimism about the economy and its future,whereas normative statements tend to reflect pessimism about the economy and its future.
B)Positive statements offer descriptions of the way things are,whereas normative statements offer opinions on how things ought to be.
C)Positive statements involve advice on policy matters,whereas normative statements are supported by scientific theory and observation.
D)Economists outside of government tend to make normative statements,whereas government-employed economists tend to make positive statements.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Positive statements are statements that describe how the world is or how it works, based on empirical evidence. They are objective and can be tested or verified. Normative statements, on the other hand, express opinions about how the world ought to be based on subjective values, beliefs, or preferences. They cannot be tested or verified because they are based on personal judgments. Therefore, the best characterization of the difference between positive and normative statements is that the former offer descriptions of the way things are, while the latter offer opinions on how things ought to be.

One Way to Characterize the Difference Between Positive Statements and Normative