Final answer:
Shauna should summarize, evaluate, and reflect upon her sources for her essay on Chaplin's cinematic influence. This includes checking authors' credentials, comparing sources for consistency, and using reliable, peer-reviewed materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Shauna sets out to evaluate her collected sources for her essay on Charlie Chaplin's impact on American cinema, she should initially summarize the central idea or scope of each source to determine its relevance to her research. A thorough evaluation should be conducted on each source to ascertain the author's authority, perspective, reliability, validity, bias, and whether it supports or contradicts other sources. This includes identifying the author and checking the author's credentials and reputation by "reading laterally," which means using search tools to check the source's reputation rather than relying solely on the information presented within the source itself.
Shauna should also reflect on how each source can contribute to her research and potentially shape her thinking on the subject. It's crucial to use a mix of primary and secondary sources, preferring those that are peer-reviewed or academically respected. By continually questioning the sources and comparing them against each other, Shauna will develop a critical awareness that will enhance the objectivity and credibility of her essay.