Definition
- Positive statement
- A positive statement describes the world as it is, and can be tested against evidence, at least in principle.
- Not to be confused with: Normative statement
- A normative statement describes how the world should be, and rests on values that no evidence can prove true or false.
Example
Can you think of one positive and one normative statement about the same policy?
"A 20p tax on sugary drinks will cut the number sold" is positive: sales can be counted before and after. "The government ought to tax sugary drinks" is normative: it depends on how much weight you give health against freedom of choice, and no sales figure could settle it. The two statements are about the same policy and belong in different boxes.
Test yourself
What is the difference between positive statement and normative statement?
A positive statement can be checked against evidence; a normative one rests on a value judgement.