1. Which of the following statements is a positive statement? Which is a normative statement?
Society should take measures to prevent people from engaging in dangerous personal behavior.
This is a normative statement because it stipulates what should be done. In addition, it may have no “right” answer. That is, should people be prevented from all dangerous personal behavior if they enjoy that behavior—like skydiving? Your answer will depend on your point of view.
People who engage in dangerous personal behavior impose higher costs on society through higher medical costs.
This is a positive statement because it is a description of fact.