The PTRR Framework: A Metacognitive Approach to Measuring and Mitigating Automation Bias in AI-Assisted Vulnerability Research
Ziad Salah · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026
Accepted at the 2026 6th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Industrial Technology Applications (IEEE AIITA 2026), Chongqing, China, April 10–12, 2026. This manuscript introduces the PTRR Framework, a metacognitive instrument for measuring and mitigating automation bias in AI-assisted vulnerability research. Three novel indices are defined: the Automation Bias Index (ABI), the Cognitive Struggle Index (CSI), and the Tool Integration Intensity Score (TIIS). A preliminary 60-hour naturalistic case study documents a shift from a low-to-medium severity finding profile to a critical-dominant profile following PTRR adoption, with 7 critical findings independently validated by programme triage.Note: IEEE Xplore indexing is pending registration fee completion. Open-access preprint available here.