The problem of this study was to investigate the relationship between four selected paternal child-rearing practices, an internal locus of control perception, and motivation to achieve in preschool children (ages four and five). The four child-rearing practices selected included (a) use of a punishment versus reason, (b) promotion of dependence or independence, (c) use of rules and regulations, and (d) use of rewards. / This research study used an analytical survey design. It was based upon one self-reported, self-administered father's questionnaire (Child-Rearing Practices Questionnaire), and two interview activities for preschool children (Stanford Preschool Internal-External Scale; Hawaii Motivation Achievement Test). The 117 father-child dyads who participated in this study were from randomly selected child care centers in Leon County, Florida. / Results were based on data analyzed using Pearson product moment correlations, multivariate multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA. Findings of statistical significance included the following: (a) father's use of rules and regulations was associated with children's achievement motivation, (b) family type (i.e., father-mother together) affected children's achievement motivation, (c) younger fathers (i.e., 18-32 years) in this study used punishment, and rules and regulations as child-rearing practices, (d) less educated fathers (i.e., high school and below), used punishment, and rules and regulations as child-rearing practices, and (e) more educated fathers (i.e., graduate degree) promoted dependent behavior in their children. / Statistically significant relationships between the four selected child-rearing practices, and an internal locus of control perception in four- and five-year-old children were not found. Additionally, children's motivation to achieve and an internal locus of control perception were not shown to have a statistical linear association. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 51-02, Section: A, page: 0408. / Major Professor: Eileen M. Earhart. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1989.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 35-09, Section: A, page: 5914. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1974.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 36-08, Section: A, page: 5135. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1975.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 38-12, Section: A, page: 7215. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1977.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 39-06, Section: A, page: 3348. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 39-06, Section: A, page: 3351. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 35-10, Section: A, page: 6502. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1974.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 37-07, Section: A, page: 4218. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1976.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 39-06, Section: A, page: 3349. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1978.

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 39-03, Section: A, page: 1425. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1977.