skeptical laura is skeptical

In my syntax class, my professor made a claim that made me raise an eyebrow and write "....really?" in my notes. I'll probably be harassing all the people I know in RL about this question too, but it'd be awesome if you have a few minutes to take a poll and satisfy my curiosity. Behind the cuts are five pairs of sentences, then a couple of questions about each pair (as well as a couple of demographic questions).

( the sentences )

( the questions )

I have a theory, but I'm not sure it'll be borne out by the data. When I get back from class tonight, I'll write a few sentences up about it and leave them in comments (as not to bias poll takers).