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Autori principali: Chouldechova, Alexandra, Cooper, A. Feder, Barocas, Solon, Palia, Abhinav, Vann, Dan, Wallach, Hanna
Natura: Preprint
Pubblicazione: 2026
Soggetti:
Accesso online:https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.18076
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author Chouldechova, Alexandra
Cooper, A. Feder
Barocas, Solon
Palia, Abhinav
Vann, Dan
Wallach, Hanna
author_facet Chouldechova, Alexandra
Cooper, A. Feder
Barocas, Solon
Palia, Abhinav
Vann, Dan
Wallach, Hanna
contents We argue that conclusions drawn about relative system safety or attack method efficacy via AI red teaming are often not supported by evidence provided by attack success rate (ASR) comparisons. We show, through conceptual, theoretical, and empirical contributions, that many conclusions are founded on apples-to-oranges comparisons or low-validity measurements. Our arguments are grounded in asking a simple question: When can attack success rates be meaningfully compared? To answer this question, we draw on ideas from social science measurement theory and inferential statistics, which, taken together, provide a conceptual grounding for understanding when numerical values obtained through the quantification of system attributes can be meaningfully compared. Through this lens, we articulate conditions under which ASRs can and cannot be meaningfully compared. Using jailbreaking as a running example, we provide examples and extensive discussion of apples-to-oranges ASR comparisons and measurement validity challenges.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2601_18076
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Comparison requires valid measurement: Rethinking attack success rate comparisons in AI red teaming
Chouldechova, Alexandra
Cooper, A. Feder
Barocas, Solon
Palia, Abhinav
Vann, Dan
Wallach, Hanna
Machine Learning
We argue that conclusions drawn about relative system safety or attack method efficacy via AI red teaming are often not supported by evidence provided by attack success rate (ASR) comparisons. We show, through conceptual, theoretical, and empirical contributions, that many conclusions are founded on apples-to-oranges comparisons or low-validity measurements. Our arguments are grounded in asking a simple question: When can attack success rates be meaningfully compared? To answer this question, we draw on ideas from social science measurement theory and inferential statistics, which, taken together, provide a conceptual grounding for understanding when numerical values obtained through the quantification of system attributes can be meaningfully compared. Through this lens, we articulate conditions under which ASRs can and cannot be meaningfully compared. Using jailbreaking as a running example, we provide examples and extensive discussion of apples-to-oranges ASR comparisons and measurement validity challenges.
title Comparison requires valid measurement: Rethinking attack success rate comparisons in AI red teaming
topic Machine Learning
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2601.18076