Question

Consider the difference between positive and normative policy analysis. Use this knowledge to complete the passages.

1) Positive policy analysis focuses on describing and explaining current policies, while normative policy analysis focuses on evaluating and recommending future policies.
2) Positive policy analysis focuses on evaluating and recommending future policies, while normative policy analysis focuses on describing and explaining current policies.
3) Positive policy analysis focuses on evaluating and recommending future policies, while normative policy analysis focuses on evaluating and recommending current policies.
4) Positive policy analysis focuses on describing and explaining current policies, while normative policy analysis focuses on describing and explaining future policies.

Answer 1

Positive policy analysis describes and explains policies as they are, with a fact-based approach. Normative policy analysis evaluates and recommends policies based on subjective values and opinions about how things should be. Passage 1 correctly encapsulates these concepts.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing positive policy analysis and normative policy analysis, it is essential to understand that they each operate under different assumptions and goals. The difference between them can be clarified through an example:

• Positive policy analysis is fact-based and objective, focusing on describing and explaining policies as they currently exist. An economist employing positive analysis might assess a proposed subway system by calculating whether the expected benefits exceed the costs, thus determining if the project is viable without expressing an opinion on whether it should be undertaken.
• Normative policy analysis, however, includes subjective, value-based opinions and focuses on evaluating and recommending policies according to how things should be. For instance, advocating for extended unemployment compensation because one believes that a wealthy nation like the United States should care for its less fortunate citizens exemplifies normative analysis.

Therefore, the correct completion for the passage is:

1) Positive policy analysis focuses on describing and explaining current policies, while normative policy analysis focuses on evaluating and recommending future policies.