normative need is that which the expert or professional, administrator or social scientist defines as need in any given situation. a desirable standard is laid down and is compared with the standard that actually exists if an individual or group falls short of the desirable standard then they are identified as being in need. thus the BMA nutritional standard is usedas a normative measure of the adequacy of a diet. the incapacity scale developed by townsend and the measure of social isolation used by tunstall are also examples of normative standards used as a basis of need. a normative definition of need is in no sense absolute.