Research Matters unites research, reasoning, documentation, and composing into a cohesive whole, helping students see the conventions of writing as a network of responsibilities writers have . . .

. . .to other writers. Research Matters clarifies the responsibility writers have to one another - to treat information fairly and accurately and to craft writing that is fresh and original - their own!

. . .to the audience. Research Matters stresses the importance of using conventions appropriate to the audience, to write clearly, and to provide readers with the information and interpretation they need to make sense of a topic.

. . .to the topic. Research Matters emphasizes the writer's responsibility to explore a topic thoroughly and creatively, to assess sources carefully, and to provide reliable information at a depth that does the topic justice.

. . .to themselves. Research Matters encourages writers to take their writing seriously and to approach writing and research as an opportunity to learn about a topic and to expand their scope as writers. By framing writing in the context of responsibility, Research Matters addresses composition students as mature and capable fellow participants in the research and writing process.

The second edition includes more information on the author's exciting research findings from the Citation Project which helps students better understand proper sourcing and documentation and how to avoid plagiarism in their research.