Normative statement

A normative statement is one that makes a value judgment; that is, it says something about what one ought or ought not do. The Ten Commandments, for example, are all normative statements. This is in contrast with a Positive Statement. The following are normative:

1. "Everyone should pray daily."
2. "Stealing is wrong."

But these are positive:

1. "Many Americans pray daily."
2. "Some people steal."