This was the assignment:

Outline a research question and hypothesis that interests you, and describe the key variables. This could be the research question you plan to use for your final project, but it does not have to be. What are the key variables? How could these variables be operationalized? Are there any ethical issues that arise when studying this topic? Also, be sure to label the independent and dependent variables. When responding to your classmates, suggest other ways that the variables in their research question could be operationally defined.

My response:

Reliance on electronic tablets, smartphones, e-readers, flat-screen televisions, and our computers for information and entertainment has created an overexposure to blue light. Blue light is visible light with a wavelength between 415 and 455 nanometers. The blue light from our LEDs in these devices has wavelengths between 400 and 490 nanometers. Blue light disrupts the natural release of melatonin in our system, disrupting our circadian rhythms (Helmer, 2022).

RQ: Would wearing blue light-blocking glasses normalize circadian rhythms for individuals using LED devices before bed?

Hypothesis: Wearing blue light-blocking glasses would decrease the effects of blue light on circadian rhythms and allow for a normal sleep cycle.

Independent Variable: Blue light-blocking glasses

Dependent Variable: Amount of Sleep

Experiment: Participants would be assigned to one of two groups: those wearing blue-light-blocking glasses before bedtime and those not wearing blue-light-blocking glasses. Bedtime for both groups would be established at 11:00 pm, and glasses would be worn at least two hours before the designated sleep time for a study time of one week.

Operationalization: Participants would self-report their average sleep cycle, type of LED device used before bedtime, the time they went to bed, and the time they awoke each morning, using a short survey and rate the ease or difficulty they had in falling asleep on a Likert-type scale of 1 - 5, with one being difficulty falling asleep to five being easy to fall asleep.

Ethical Issues: Participation is voluntary, and appropriate measures will be taken, such as obtaining informed consent from participants and ensuring their anonymity and confidentiality.

References:

Helmer, J., (2022, September). What is Blue Light, and Where Does it Come From? WebMD.

The response was: Nice discussion for the assignment. Correct IV and DV. The operationalization is well defined.

This would require reworking for your research project. There is no opportunity for experimental design.

I have asked for clarification, but have not received a reply as of it and I need to move forward with the assignment that is due tomorrow. What is incorrect with this?