Question

What is the difference between a positive and a normative statement?

Short answer

A positive statement describes actual results and is based on facts.

Normative statements describe what should be or ought to be

Step-by-step solution

 Positive Statement

A positive statement describes actual results and is based on facts. Positive statements are objective. It can be tested.

Normative statement

Normative statements describe what should be or ought to be. A normative statement forms a value conclusion. Such a conclusion is the view of the speaker; no one can “verify” that the statement is or is not valid