Final answer:
A positive statement in economics describes what is, offering an objective, factual analysis that can be verified, as opposed to normative statements which are based on subjective values about what should be.
Step-by-step explanation:
A positive statement in economics is concerned primarily with describing what is. Economists use positive statements to indicate factual and objective information about the world, which can be tested for accuracy. Unlike normative statements, which are based on subjective opinions and values about how the world should be, positive statements remain within the realm of factual analysis and are grounded in empirical evidence. For instance, an economist's analysis of a proposed subway system that concludes it is financially viable because the expected benefits exceed the costs is an example of a positive statement.