Confused: What is theory development and theory testing?

Questions about the implementation and application of the PLS-SEM method, that are not related to the usage of the SmartPLS software.
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Priyankafox
PLS Senior User
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2015 6:40 pm
Real name and title: Ms Priyanka

Confused: What is theory development and theory testing?

Post by Priyankafox »

Hi Guys,

I know this is a very very rudimentary question (forgive me). However the more I read the more I get confused.

In my model, I use PMT theory to guide my study. PMT studies which studied risk found that risk influences intentions.

And a recent study found that image mediates risk and intentions (a study not guided by PMT)

However in my study (guided by PMT) I propose testing two direct relationships: risk --> image and image --> intentions.

(1) Am I conducting theory testing or theory development?

If anyone could oblige me, I would great appreciate (2) an explanation on the difference between theory development and theory testing.

Thanks so much!
Priyanka
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