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Chapter 2: Problem 6

Would an op-ed piece in a newspaper urging the adoption of a particular economic policy be a positive or normative statement?

Short Answer

Expert verified
An op-ed piece in a newspaper urging the adoption of a particular economic policy is generally a normative statement. Although it may contain factual arguments to support the author's opinion, the fundamental purpose of the piece is to advocate for what the author believes should be done in terms of economic policy, which is subjective and cannot be tested or proved.

Step by step solution

01

Define Positive and Normative Statements

In economics, statements can be classified into two categories: positive and normative. Positive statements are objective and fact-based statements that can be tested and proved or disproved using data and evidence. They are focused on describing "what is" in the economic world. Normative statements, on the other hand, are subjective statements based on opinions, values, and beliefs. They cannot be tested or proved and often express an opinion about "what ought to be" in the economic world. Normative statements concern the goals, aims, and desired outcomes of an economic policy.
02

Evaluate the Op-Ed Content

An op-ed piece in a newspaper urging the adoption of a particular economic policy would most likely include arguments in favor of the policy, supported by evidence, as well as the author's subjective view on why the policy is necessary or preferable. Therefore, the op-ed may contain both positive and normative statements. However, the primary goal of the op-ed is to convince others to adopt a certain policy, which is inherently based on the author's values, beliefs and opinions about what should be done economically.
03

Classify the Statement

Based on the nature of an op-ed urging the adoption of a particular economic policy, the statement can generally be classified as a normative statement. Although it may contain factual arguments to support the author's opinion, the fundamental purpose of the piece is to advocate for what the author believes should be done in terms of economic policy, which is a subjective matter.

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