In this article, we review research that has examined the association between race, ethnicity, culture, and student motivation. We begin by describing potential problems regarding how race, ethnicity, and culture are defined in research. Next, we review some of the methods that have been used to examine the associations among race, ethnicity, culture, and several constructs related to academic motivation (e.g., valuing of education, ethnic identity, generational status, and other contextual factors). In this review, we highlight how different methodologies reflect different assumptions, and have led to different conclusions, about these associations. The article concludes with a consideration of future research questions and methodology, including important factors to consider when examining the intersection of race, ethnicity, culture, and academic motivation.