The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) and the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status (EOM-EIS) were administered to 150 male and female college students from four ethnic groups (African American; Asian American; Hispanic American; White American) to assess the influence of gender and ethnic group membership upon ego and ethnic identity formation. The results revealed striking differences among ethnic group members in the way that they identified with their ethnicity and cultural heritage. Most notable was that African Americans scored highest in ethnic identity compared to other groups except Latino Americans. These results suggest that the values of family interdependence and collectivism, which characterize traditional Latino and African American values, may discourage ego identity exploration and foster an attitude of acceptance and commitment to cultural traditions. In light of the fact that Asian Americans scored the lowest on ethnic identity, it suggests that more research is needed in examining ethnic identity with Asian concepts of self. This study also found that female participants scored significantly higher in ethnic identity than their male counterparts. Additional analysis revealed that the ego identity status, foreclosure, was a significant predictor of ethnic identity. (Contains 41 references.) (JDM)