Regressive eye movements and sentence parsing: on the use of regression-contingent analyses

Altmann, Garnham, and Dennis (1992) recently advocated the use of a regression-contingent analysis in eye movement studies dealing with parsing of sentences containing temporary structural ambiguities. Using experimental sentences preceded by referentially supportive contexts, they demonstrated a different pattern of results when regressive eye movements were eliminated from the data set than when regressions were included. The regression-contingent analysis that they used involves an implicit assumption that regressive eye movements are a necessary consequence of subjects' being garden pathed. We report some data which demonstrate that garden path effects are sometimes even stronger in the absence of regressions and, thus, argue that readers can be garden pathed without making regressions.