Research Methods Politics Final Study Sheet - Final...

Final Questions Study Sheet
(Please Write in Notebook at Opportune Time)
1. In the chapter “Meta-Theoretical Issues,” D. Marsh looks into how researchers value
the analytical and explanatory powers of structure, agency, the material and the
ideational. Look at page 217 & 221
How are the structure, agency, the material and the ideational used to explain
political behavior and political phenomena? In other words, how can structure help
explain a political behavior or a political phenomenon? Answer this question with regard
to each of the four elements (the structure, agency, the material and the ideational) using
an illustration in each case (example: How do we explain voting behavior, political
participation, participation in social movements, etc., rebellion).
A study that privileges the structure approach above any other seeks to explain political
behavior or a given political phenomenon by examining the influence that structure has on an
individual’s behavior. One who maintains a structuralist perspective privileges the structure and
downplays the agency. A study using the structural approach uses structure as a determinant of
one’s choice of action. Structuralism explains why people can or cannot bring about change
while also limiting the agency of an individual due to the structure. Many structuralist hold firmly
that if you want to explain something, look at the structure.
A study that privileges agency explains political behavior or a given political phenomenon by
looking at the intentions of the individual. The agency approach privileges the role of agents
while downplaying the role of structure. Those who apply agency to their study believe that the
individual has the capacity to bring about change, act on their own behalf, and to decide what to
do. Moreover, those in support of the agency approach hold firm that the responsibility belongs
to the individual. Rational choice and idealism are considered to be part of agency.
A study that privileges the material over other approaches seeks to explain political behavior or
a given political phenomenon by looking at the materials of individuals. (the realist approach of
using physical resources)
A study that privileges the ideational approach above all others seeks to explain political
behavior or a given political phenomenon by examining how ideas shape outcomes. The idealist
perspective is blind to the structure and seeks to achieve whatever one wants to achieve. There
is also very little causative power applied in this approach. The ideational approach is driven by
ideas.

2. . Using the diagram below (see a better copy in the textbook), explain what dialectical
relationships exist between structure and agency. Give an example if possible.
The dialectical relationship between structure and agency exist due to…
a. Structures providing the context within which agents act. These structures are both material
and ideational.