Writers try to use language in cognitively efficient ways . Linguistic conventions that are recognizable to both writers and readers are efficient ways to manage textual production. Thus, linguistic conventions are often sites of CSTA investigation. Further close attention is paid to both conventional and non-conventional usages and constructions of written language. Writers belong to multiple discourse communities, and the texts they write often reflect their divided loyalties .
Writing is multivalent because writers are multiply located.
Selection of the initial corpus . The initial corpus is selected informally, based on a perceived problem in the field of composition research. The researcher should consider the audience and what may be of interest to them. Identification of salient patterns . Holistic assessment of the initial corpus is employed to scan for general patterns that may emerge.