If you measure between earth and the sensor output wire you are measuring the diferance between zero and the sensor voltage eg diference of 0 and 1.5 = 1.5, but the ecu could be measuring the voltage drop across the sensor which will be the diference between 5 and 1.5 = 3.5. If the sensor resistance decreases the 1.5 will increase but the 3.5 will decrease. If this is the case they will be opposite as Tony suggested.
I am currently involved in fitting an ecu and sorting out a new ford engine for a home built car, this engine has been factory wired for titania sensors but supplied with front pipes with zirconia fitted. This ecu supplies 5v to the titania sensors from the same supply as cam sensor, throttle pot and other hall sensors. On this vehicle the ecu is "seeing" the voltage drop.