Final answer:
Sheldon is conducting audience analysis to understand his readers and tailor his paper to meet their expectations, needs, and the context in which they will read his work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sheldon is engaging in a critical aspect of writing known as audience analysis. This process involves considering several key questions to better understand his potential readers and their expectations. These questions help Sheldon determine factors such as who the primary audience is, such as the instructor or classmates, what they already know about the subject, what additional information they need, how to effectively connect with the audience through his writing, whether he needs to address any secondary audiences, and how to adapt his message to match the expectations of different groups of readers.
By considering the various elements such as when and where his paper will be read, and whether it will be on paper or on a screen, Sheldon ensures that the delivery of his content is appropriate for the context in which his readers are engaging with it. Additionally, knowing the audience's background knowledge will guide him in defining the problem and providing the necessary background information. Tuning in to the readers' culture and expectations will inform the language Sheldon uses, as well as the reasoning strategy and presentation of his paper.