Let's clear up some confusion first of all. Positive statements can be inaccurate, false, dodgy or even down right lies. The word positive can often confuse students who believe that positive statements have to be true.
So what is the difference between a positive and normative statement?
Positive statements can be tested.
Normative statements are people's opinion.
"In March 2022 inflation is 4.9%" is a positive statement because we can go to the ONS website and check the inflation.
"Small interest rate rises are not enough to tackle inflation" in this article is also a positive statement as it can be tested, for instance a small interest rate rise can be done in macroeconomic isolation and the inflation measured at intervals afterwards. Alternatively we could look at the evidence created from other countries.
"We should not be giving benefit payments to those unwilling to work" is clearly a normative statement, the word 'should' is a big giveaway here.
So what is the difference between a positive and normative statement?
Positive statements can be tested.
Normative statements are people's opinion.
"In March 2022 inflation is 4.9%" is a positive statement because we can go to the ONS website and check the inflation.
"Small interest rate rises are not enough to tackle inflation" in this article is also a positive statement as it can be tested, for instance a small interest rate rise can be done in macroeconomic isolation and the inflation measured at intervals afterwards. Alternatively we could look at the evidence created from other countries.
"We should not be giving benefit payments to those unwilling to work" is clearly a normative statement, the word 'should' is a big giveaway here.