Generalizable Characterization of LLM Behavior

Characterize which properties of large language model behavior in software engineering are generalizable across model generations rather than transient capability gaps.

Background

The paper notes that empirical results for LLM-driven refactoring depend strongly on the model generation being evaluated. Although benchmark performance improves rapidly, it remains difficult to distinguish enduring behavioral characteristics from limitations that may disappear as models improve. This unresolved methodological issue affects the validity and transferability of evaluations of autonomous refactoring systems.

References

Whether newer and more capable LLMs exhibit similar sensitivity to requirement smells remains an open empirical question.

— On the Impact of Requirement Smells in LLM-Based Code Generation  (2609.29208 - Villamizar et al., 24 Sep 2026) in Section 4, Discussion, subsection “LLM Evolution and Generalizability”

Separating generalizable characteristics of LLM behavior from transient capability gaps remains an open methodological challenge.

— Continuous Autonomous Refactoring: A Research Roadmap for AI-Driven Code Quality Maintenance  (2609.01236 - Sun et al., 1 Sep 2026) in Section 2, Related Work

How violation profiles differ across builders is a further question.

— A Design Theory for AI-Assisted Software Development Derived from Christopher Alexander's Theory of Form  (2610.01372 - Chen et al., 1 Oct 2026) in Section 8, “Builder variation,” p. 41

Our results might however not generalize to stronger models (that might have stronger capabilities to detect faults). However, we believe that our results are a fundamental consequence of the design of LLM-generated regression testing and the stronger capabilities of larger models to follow instructions might amplify our results. We leave this evaluation open for future research.

— On the Risks of using LLM-Generated Tests for Regression Testing  (2610.11835 - Charoosaei et al., 8 Oct 2026) in Section 7, Threats to Validity, subsection “External Validity”