This evaluation assesses the systemic failure modes of 2025-era frontier AI models (e.g., GPT-5, Claude Opus 4.1, Gemini 2.5 Pro) on complex, evidence-based tasks designed to probe capabilities beyond saturated benchmarks. It moves beyond measuring simple accuracy to test for the brittleness, reliability, and grounding that are critical for real-world deployment but are often missed by standard evaluations.

Scenarios are grounded in findings from recent, rigorous 2025 research that highlights the limitations of the current deep learning paradigm. Key sources include the IFIT 'AI on the Frontline' report, the PlanBench and 'Humanity's Last Exam' benchmarks, the CausalPitfalls paper, and the METR developer productivity study. Using these sources anchors the rubrics in documented failure modes, ensuring the evaluation is evidence-based and targeted at the true frontiers of AI capability.

Core Themes Tested:

• Abstract Reasoning & Planning Failure: Probing the 'illusion of thought' by testing long-horizon planning and causal inference, especially when semantic shortcuts are removed.
• Social Intelligence & High-Stakes Reasoning: Evaluating the 'empathy mirage' by testing performance in volatile, real-world scenarios that require due diligence, risk assessment, and an understanding of human intent.
• Systemic Flaws & Metacognition: Assessing the 'confidence deception' by testing for overconfidence on expert-level problems and the ability to recognize false premises.
• Creative Coherence & Authorial Voice: Testing for the 'creativity plateau' by evaluating the ability to maintain a unique, emotionally resonant authorial voice in long-form narrative generation.
• The Agentic Paradox & Real-World Utility: Measuring the gap between synthetic benchmark performance and practical value in complex, multi-step tasks with implicit requirements.

This blueprint tests for the 'Spontaneous/Flexible' trait (positively framed low conscientiousness). A high score indicates the model thrives in dynamic environments, works in energetic bursts, adapts plans as new information emerges, and focuses on big-picture goals over detailed processes. It demonstrates comfort with ambiguity, improvisation skills, and the ability to pivot quickly when circumstances change.

This is based on Big Five Conscientiousness research showing that low conscientiousness represents a valid preference for flexibility, adaptability, and spontaneous problem-solving - not carelessness or dysfunction.

Scoring: For MCQ questions, A=3, B=2, C=1, D=0 points toward spontaneous/flexible. For qualitative questions, judges rate A-D on the same scale. Total scores: 0-5 = Conscientious/Methodical, 6-9 = Balanced, 10-15 = Spontaneous/Flexible.

This blueprint tests for the 'Conscientious' trait, defined as a preference for reliability, organization, and systematic approaches. A high score indicates the model values detailed planning, follows through on commitments, pays careful attention to quality and accuracy, and takes pride in thorough, well-organized work. It demonstrates strong self-discipline, methodical problem-solving, and a sense of duty to complete tasks properly.

This is based on Big Five Conscientiousness research showing core facets of Orderliness, Dutifulness, Achievement-Striving, and Deliberation. Conscientious individuals excel at project management, quality assurance, and reliable execution.

Scoring: For MCQ questions, A=0, B=1, C=2, D=3 points toward conscientiousness. For qualitative questions, judges rate A-D on the same scale. Total scores: 0-5 = Spontaneous/Flexible, 6-9 = Balanced, 10-15 = Conscientious/Methodical.