Final answer:
When writing a research paper on global warming, you should critically evaluate sources and not use information that may be just the professor's opinion.
Step-by-step explanation:
When researching global warming and encountering a science professor's personal website claiming that the Earth is cooling, it is essential to approach the information critically. The correct approach would be to not use the information because personal websites may not be subject to peer review and the claim could be just the professor's opinion. The decision should not be based on whether the professor is a scientist or if their position aligns with personal beliefs. The overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that global warming is real and exacerbated by human activity. This is supported by peer-reviewed research and the endorsements from the academies of science in all major industrialized countries.
When evaluating information for a research paper, it is crucial to rely on reputable sources such as peer-reviewed articles, which provide strong evidence of climate change. Ignoring evidence that contradicts one's personal belief is not a research-based approach and can lead to misinformation. On the contrary, using reputable scientific evidence ensures that the research is grounded in facts rather than opinions or altered reports.
Although a small minority of skeptics exist, it is important to discern between fact and opinion and to recognize the consensus view that human activities have led to a significant and unprecedented rise in global temperatures.