Positive Vs. Normative Statement

Not every statement is created equal. Speaking out of bias or personal opinion may be far from fact. In science, statements are broken into two main categories: positive and normative. Differentiating between the two types of statements allow us to form our own opinions.
  1. Definition

    • A positive statement is objective and therefore can be scientifically tested for legitimacy based on available evidence. An example is, "Driving fuel efficient cars leads to less road rage." A normative statement is opinion-based and subjective. An example of this: "Gas prices are unfair."

    Function

    • Positive statements focus around what is; normative statements focus around what could be. Normative statements carry value judgments intended to persuade listeners or readers. Similar to the purpose of a hypothesis, positive statements are proven or disproved following test results. Economists make a distinction between positive and normative statements as a way to establish open communication between people with varying views.

    Considerations

    • Positive statements aren't always fact. They can be wrong but must be testable. It is impossible to disprove a normative statement because it's based off another's opinion.

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