<P> Ethnic identity development has been conceptualized and researched primarily within the United States . Due to the fact the individuals studied are typically from the United States, it may not be appropriate to extend findings or models to individuals in other countries . Some research has been conducted outside of the United States, however a majority of these studies were in Europe or countries settled by Europeans . </P> <P> Further, researchers also suggest that racial and ethnic identity development must be viewed, studied, and considered alongside the other normative developmental processes (e.g., gender identity development) and cannot be considered in a vacuum - racial and ethnic identity exist in particular contexts . </P> <P> Research considers some studies of ethnic developments cross-sectional in design . This type of design pales in comparison to longitudinal design whose topic of investigation is developmental in nature . This is because cross-sectional studies collect data at or around the same time from multiple individuals of different ages of interest, instead of collecting data over multiple time points for each individual in the study, which would allow the researcher to compare change for individuals over time, as well as differences between individuals . </P> <P> Another research consideration in the field is why certain ethnic and racial groups are looking towards their own expanding community for mates instead of continuing interracial marriages . An article in The New York Times explained that Asian - American couples have been kicking the trend and finding Asian mates because it gives them resurgence of interest in language and ancestral traditions . Further research can be found and explored throughout the many different racial and ethnic groups . </P>

According to phinney stage 3 of ethnic minority identity formation is characterized by