research

2025

1. Under Review

   Overcoming Statelessness and Becoming a Citizen: Socioeconomic Evidence from the Shona in Kenya

   Weber S., A. Ai, and Rahman M.M.

   Oct 2025

   Abstract PDF

   What advantages does citizenship offer in developing countries? Although statelessness is a global phenomenon, there is little quantitative evidence on the benefits of citizenship in these settings. Focusing on the formerly stateless Shona population in Kenya, who obtained citizenship in 2020, we in- vestigate the effect of citizenship on self-employment as the dominant economic activity in urban Kenya. Using eight waves of panel data from July 2020 to July 2022, we compare the economic trajectories of the Shona with those of urban refugees who do not have Kenyan citizenship. We find that citizenship im- proves self-employment opportunities, particularly for female-headed households. We complement this analysis with original household survey data that compare Shona perceptions before citizenship (2019) and after (2024). As the first empirical study to quantify the citizen premium in a developing country, we contribute new insights to the literature on migrant naturalization, citizen-state interactions, and the benefits of legibility for vulnerable populations.

2024

1. Senior Thesis

   Implicit vs Explicit Stereotype Threat Activation Effect on Performance Mindsets

   A. Ai

   Apr 2024

   Abstract Presentations PDF

   Positive stereotypes, such as model minority stereotypes, can impact important academic outcomes for Asian American students. Building on prior research on implicit vs explicit forms of stereotype activation, this study examines whether and how much performance mindsets (i.e., motivation to succeed or avoid failure) affects task performance in a stereotyped domain for Asian American students, i.e., math ability. In a 1x3 between-subjects study, stereotype activation (implicit, explicit, none) was manipulated prior to performing a spatial rotation task that participants believed measured their math ability. We found no evidence that the manner of stereotype activation led to differences in task accuracy, nor did scores on an Achievement Goal Questionnaire (AGQ-R) predict task performance or mediate the effects of our manipulation. However, pre- and post-task measures revealed a significantly lower endorsement of performance-approach goals and diminished levels of racial centrality after the manipulation and task, compared to the participants’ baseline. We also examined other factors relevant to stereotype threat in exploratory analyses that highlight avenues for future research in this area.

   • “Meeting of the Minds” - CMU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium (May 1, 2024)

2023

1. Working Paper

   Do the Source and Motivation of DEI Statements Matter?

   A. Ai, K. Nam, K. Jarbo, and 1 more author

   May 2023

   Abstract Presentations PDF Poster

   Existing literature examines DEI interventions and their outcomes, as well as an individuals’ sense of belonging at an institution. However, the link between DEI interventions and how they affect perceived respect from instructors within an institution remains unclear. In a 2 (authorship) x 2 (motivation) between-subjects study, we found that DEI statements thought to be authored by professors or thought to be included through intrinsic motivation led to increased faculty-student respect (FSR). This was qualified by a significant interaction such that internally motivated statements from professors had the highest FSR. These findings suggest that DEI statements within syllabi should be internally motivated declarations written by the professors themselves to foster a positive learning environment where students feel respected and supported by their professor.

   • National Psychology Summit Undergraduate Poster Session (May 5, 2023)
     
   • 36th Annual Ohio Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference (March 25, 2023)
     
   • “Meeting of the Minds” — CMU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium (May 4, 2022)