Data were collected on a general sample of 1,650 fathers and a group of 42 effective fathers. Items that differentiated between the general sample and the effective-fathers group were subjected to factor analysis and other psychometric studies resulting in the development of seven internally consistent scales measuring dimensions such as commitment, consistency, and active listening. Significant differences between the general and effective-father samples were found. Analyses showed that only 4% to 8% of variance in the scores of fathers were predicted by background variables such as income or educational levels.