The major difference between the two is that positive statements place a greater emphasis on data, facts, and figures before attempting to explain how the world works. Whereas, Normative statements, place a greater emphasis on an individual’s perspective and viewpoint on ethics, law, and political philosophy before prescribing how the world should function.
Although thorough data always supports both statements, positive statements provide an objective perspective on the subject, whereas normative statements convey a subjective viewpoint.”An increase in the minimum wage generates unemployment,” for example, is a positive statement Because it states a reality about how the world works.Similarly, ”The government should increase the minimum wage,” is an example of a negative statement because it specifies how the world should work rather than stating a fact about how the world actually works.