Final answer:
Option D, 'Tuition fees should be waived for low-income students,' is the normative statement among the options provided. It asserts an opinion on what should be done regarding tuition fees, making it a statement based on values and beliefs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question at hand involves identifying which of the given options is a normative statement. Normative statements express judgments or opinions about what ought to be, as opposed to positive statements which describe what is actually the case. Looking at the options given:
- A. A reduction in export taxes on petroleum would result in higher wages.
- B. A free-trade agreement between two countries will result in an increase in trade.
- C. The higher the level of taxes, the higher are wage demands.
- D. Tuition fees should be waived for low-income students.
- E. The higher the level of taxes, the lower is consumption spending.
Option D, 'Tuition fees should be waived for low-income students,' is a clear normative statement because it is based on value judgments of what should be done regarding tuition fees. It expresses an opinion that is subject to debate and relies on individual values and beliefs, as opposed to empirical evidence.