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The choices open to an individual confronted by a given situation are not those of either absolute conformity or absolute nonconformity. A number of years ago Floyd H. Allport, an American pyschologist, conducted an interesting experiment that suggests there are alternatives between the two extremes. He found that conformity measurements actually fall along a continuum (Allport, 1934, pp. 141-183).

He studied motorists' observation of traffic rules. His premise was that "The question of to what extent, or how well, one obeys the traffic rule can be determined only by interpreting what one actually does in the traffic situation." If the existence of a traffic rule opens the way to only two kinds of behavior, conformity and nonconformity, a motorist will either stop before a traffic sign signnaling a full halt or he will not stop. Allport stationed observers in two large cities to note to what degree motorists actually conformed to the law in traffic.

The purpose of a traffic signal is to assue safety in driving. In Allport's experiement, stopping completely before a red signal light or a street stop sign would be fulfilling the signal's purpose to the maximum degree. Slowing down considerably but not stopping would represent a lesser degree of fulfillment. Slowing down only slightly would be the third and still smaller measure of fulfillment. Going ahead without change of speed would represent entire disregard for the signal and no fulfillment whatever of the purpose of the safety device.

The records of actual motorist performance in traffic were charted by the observers. Conformity, it appeared, was not an all-or-nothing matter. It ran along the scale of a continuum. Some drivers were scrupulously careful to obey the law; some disregarded it entirely; and between the two extremes were motorists who showed varying degrees of conformity. 

Deviation from a norm on a particular occasion need not signify that the peson who deviates is rejecting the values inherent in the rule behavior in question. The motorist probably understands and agrees that ordinances enacted in teh interest of saftey are sound and useful. Occassionaly, however, he makes his own rule, covering a specific traffic situation of the moement. Values furnish only a general guide to action. The individual does not always conceive of them as useful in deciing on courses of action in concrete situations. In such situations, says sociologist Howard S. Becker, "people develop specific rules more closely tied to the realities of everyday life." Values still provide teh major premises from which specific rules are deducted. After considering the various values to wich they subscribe, people....

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