This paper outlines an approach to devising master social indicators which reflect conditions in a major area of human concern. There are five principal sections: Section I is an introduction; Section II sketches a heuristic model for categorizing indicator concepts, and suggests how a hierarchically organized scheme of indicators can be aggregated; Section III discusses the interrelationships of goals, indicators, and attainment levels; Section IV attempts to structure the findings of a preliminary draft of the Social Report (U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, January, 1969) in terms of the heuristic model of society, and points out why it is not possible to derive master indicators from the draft of the Social Report alone; Section V briefly outlines some key considerations in constructing a comprehensive national social data system. Included in Section IV are 14 tables categorizing 14 designated indicators which measure "the quality of life." These tables establish attainment categories, subcategories, and possible indicators. It is hoped that researchers will pursue some of the avenues suggested by the analysis, with particular emphasis on the role of education in social change. (Author/CJ)