The current research approaches racial identity development in a way different from previous approaches focusing on staged development (Cross, 1971) and individual differences (Sellers et al., 1997). Here, the impact of social comparison (Festinger, 1954) on racial identity seeking behaviors over the short term is investigated with competing predictions deriving from self-regulation (Higgins, 1987) and self-perception (Bem, 1967). Participants completed either a "Racial Identity Aptitude Measure" or a "Problem-Solving Aptitude Measure" and were given feedback that they performed either well or poorly. ANOVA analyses were generally consistent with the self-perception account rather than self-regulation. That is, performing well on a race relevant assessment increased race identity behaviors and this was particularly true for those high in racial centrality. So, positive relative feedback can impact pursuit of behaviors related to racial identity development with the potential to produce a variety of positive outcomes.