Our data in this study are mental states, the intuitions that native speakers have with respect to various linguistic expressions. Our task then is to construct a map of those intuitions. Because we are engaged in constructing and testing hypotheses about linguistic phenomena, we are descriptive , not prescriptive . Well-formedness is not the same as Acceptability. Intuitions can be muddied by performance factors.
Intuitions can differ across individuals.
The ball fell off the table, and is still on it.