Which of the following statements is true about normative statements?

Normative statements are evaluative in nature and often express opinions, values, or judgments about what ought to be. While option B suggests that normative statements can be data-supported, this is somewhat nuanced. Normative statements can indeed reference data to strengthen an argument or position, but they themselves remain rooted in personal beliefs, ethics, or societal norms rather than pure facts.

For example, a normative statement might argue that a particular tax policy is unfair. This assertion could be supported by data illustrating income disparities, yet it ultimately reflects a subjective viewpoint about fairness and justice. This understanding showcases how normative statements operate within a framework of values, allowing for data to inform but not define the subjective claim being made.

The other options mischaracterize the nature of normative statements. While it's true that they are often opinion-based, they aren't exclusively subjective, as they can be informed by empirical data. The notion that they must always be valid is incorrect because, as expressed, they can be debated based on differing values or beliefs. Lastly, stating that normative statements are exclusively factual disregards their intrinsic evaluative component, which is fundamentally different from a mere statement of fact. Thus, option B captures the essence of how normative statements can incorporate data while still being subjective.