Chapter 2 Economic Theories, Data, and Graphs - part 1

Chapter 2 Economic Theories, Data, and Graphs

2.1 Positive and Normative Statements

1) Disagreements over positive statements
A) cannot arise because positive statements are facts.
B) are best handled by an appeal to the facts.
C) arise from the failure to distinguish between a positive and a normative statement.
D) are basically devoid of any emotion.
E) never occur.
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Applied
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

2) A positive statement is one that states
A) what is, was, or will be.
B) what is and what should be.
C) what should be but is not.
D) what is desirable.
E) non-negative numbers.
Answer: A
Diff: 2
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Recall
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

3) Which is the best description of positive statements? Positive statements
A) have been verified by appeal to factual evidence.
B) form the basis of all normative arguments.
C) are falsifiable in principle by appeal to factual evidence.
D) are seldom employed in social sciences like economics.
E) have no place in economics because economics deals only with value judgments.
Answer: C
Diff: 2
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Recall
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

, 4) Which is an example of a positive statement?
A) There should be one price for gasoline throughout Canada.
B) The higher the price for gasoline, the less of it will be consumed.
C) Substitutes for fossil fuels should be developed.
D) Canada should reduce its imports of consumer goods.
E) Corporations in Canada should pay more taxes.
Answer: B
Diff: 1
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Applied
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

5) Which is the best description of a normative statement? A normative statement
A) can be derived logically from facts.
B) concerns what is provable.
C) is a statement that is empirically testable.
D) is one that involves a value judgment.
E) has no place in the study and practice of economics.
Answer: D
Diff: 1
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Recall
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

6) Which of the following is a normative statement?
A) The sun rises in the west and sets in the east.
B) A government deficit will reduce unemployment and cause an increase in prices.
C) Reducing unemployment is more important than reducing inflation.
D) Queen Elizabeth II is the wealthiest woman in the world.
E) An increase in the price of lumber is followed by a decrease in the construction of new houses.
Answer: C
Diff: 1
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Applied
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

7) Which of the following is a normative statement?
A) The higher is the level of taxes, the lower is consumption spending.
B) The higher is the level of taxes, the higher are wage demands.
C) A reduction in export taxes on petroleum would result in higher wages.
D) Tuition fees should be waived for low-income students.
E) A free-trade agreement between two countries will result in an increase in trade.
Answer: D
Diff: 2
Topic: 2.1. positive and normative statements
Skill: Applied
Learning Obj.: 2-1 Distinguish between positive and normative statements.
User2: Qualitative

8) Suppose an economist tells you that the unemployment rate in Canada last year was 7.8%. This is an
example of a(n) ________ statement.
A) autonomous