In: Economics
Which of the following statements suggest a positive analysis
and which a normative analysis?
3.1 Government subsidies to farmers are too high and should be
phased out over the next decade.
3.2 If the tax on cigarettes is increased by 50 cents per pack, the
equilibrium price of cigarettes will rise by 30 cents per
pack.
3.3 If country A lifts the prohibition on imports of cigars
produced in Country B, then price of cigars will fall.
3.1 Government subsidies to farmers are too high and should be phased out over the next decade : Suggests a normative analysis. This statement suggests normative analysis since there is a judgment that the government subsidies have increased and thereafter a suggestion that it should be phased out over the next decade.
3.2 If the tax on cigarettes is increased by 50 cents per pack, the equilibrium price of cigarettes will rise by 30 cents per pack : Suggests a positive analysis. This statement shows positive analysis since there are concrete facts as to the effect of the tax on cigarettes on the equilibrium price of the cigarettes.
3.3 If country A lifts the prohibition on imports of cigars produced in Country B, then price of cigars will fall : Suggests a normative analysis. The statement makes a judgment about the effect of the lifting of the prohibition on imports of cigars on the price on the cigars and does not show any testable conclusions as to the quantitative effect.