"develop theory" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the process of constructing a hypothesis or a set of ideas that can be tested and used to explain a phenomenon or to solve a problem. For example, "The team of scientists set out to develop a theory to explain the species' migration patterns."
Virginia Berridge's seminal work on the NHS and comparative health policy development uses historical methods to understand these processes and develop theory around them [ 72].
Peace psychology, area of specialization in the study of psychology that seeks to develop theory and practices that prevent violence and conflict and mitigate the effects they have on society.
Research articles develop theory or report findings of empirical studies.
To develop theory about what generates SC, we modeled a range of waning patterns.
Indeed, both conceptual models are likely to develop theory and research in CSR rather than having any concrete practical impact.
This can, as well, be distinguished from developing theory where rival explanations might develop theory by the elimination of possible influences (interventions, implementations).
You develop theories and hypotheses, but you don't know if readers will respond.
We aimed to examine long-haul truck drivers eating decisions in order to develop theory-based and empirically-driven health messages to improve their healthy food choices.
These may serve to directly improve care and to develop theory-based models and testable interventions to improve hope in mental health as well as in allied fields.
They develop theory-based interventions to facilitate program adoption by key stakeholders, to support appropriate implementation by program users, and to encourage program institutionalization by considering opportunities for incorporating the program into organizational routines.
These various effects have been the focus of efforts to develop theories that are theories of desire.
