Using Biometrics to Understand AI-Assisted Coding Performance and its Perception: a Registered Report

This paper presents the Stage 1 protocol for a confirmatory study investigating how biometric measurements can reveal cognitive differences in software development with and without AI assistance. We outline the theoretical foundation, specific hypotheses, detailed methodology, and planned analyses that will be conducted to address our research questions. Our study aims to identify and understand the neurophysiological correlates of the cognitive processes involved in AI-assisted programming and how these relate to measurable performance outcomes and developer perceptions.