Question

Consider the following. Which, if any, are positive statements?

1) 1. Main Street needs more coffee shops.
2) 2. A new parking garage on campus will reduce parking congestion.
3) 3. Last winter, the state should have spent more money on snow removal.
4) Cannot be determined

Answer 1

Of the provided statements, statement 2 ('A new parking garage on campus will reduce parking congestion.') is the only positive statement as it predicts an outcome that can be tested. The other statements are normative because they express what should be done, based on values or opinions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked which statements are positive statements:

1. Main Street needs more coffee shops.
2. A new parking garage on campus will reduce parking congestion.
3. Last winter, the state should have spent more money on snow removal.
4. Cannot be determined

Positive statements are statements that can be tested and validated; they describe the world as it is. On the other hand, normative statements prescribe how the world should be, based on values and opinions. So, out of the statements given:

• Statement 1 is a normative statement because it prescribes what Main Street 'needs'.
• Statement 2 is a positive statement because it predicts a factual outcome that can be tested.
• Statement 3 is a normative statement because it suggests what the state 'should' have done, rather than stating a fact.
• Statement 4 is not applicable since it is not a statement.