How to interpret: Moderation effect hypothesized positive but SmartPLS bootstrapping result shows negative but significant interaction effect

[Er. Vaibhav Agarwal]

Dear All,

In my structural model, I have a moderator which is hypothesized to have a positive moderation effect on the relationship of two constructs. The SmartPLS Boostrapping results reveal a significant but negative path coefficient for the interaction effect [beta = -0.053, p < 0.001]. Now, I am confused about how to interpret it, and what will be the decision about my hypothesis: supported or rejected?

Also, the simple slope analysis in PLS algo results shows three almost parallel lines and all are having positive slope.

Please help and suggest what to interpret and explain about these results

Thank You

[Neeraj Kaushik]

Dear Vaibhav

You shd frame the hypothesis that there is a significant effect of the moderator on the relationship and then it'll be accepted. It'll be rejected in the present form.

Try to think what is the meaning of negative moderator in your results.

Further, in the chart as of now, the lines must be appearing as parallel but if you extrapolate them in either side, you can see that on one side they will cross. 

Best wishes

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[Er. Vaibhav Agarwal]

Sir, 

As per the literature referred, the hypothesis was framed like that. Now even after considering your suggestion of reframing of the moderation hypothesis, the negative path co-efficient is making the interpretation logically incorrect. For example, if the satisfaction with the facilities of a college positively impacts the intention to take admission, then a higher rating should, logically, positively moderate the relationship between satisfaction and intention. But as per the results, the moderating effect is having -ve beta value. This means higher ratings will reduce the positive relationship between satisfaction and intention and lower ratings will enhance that positive relationship. This is where I am unable to decide what to interpret.

Further, on the extrapolation of lines in simple slope analysis, they will meet somewhere beyond the boundary of the graph plot. I read several articles and referred videos on YouTube where it was suggested that if lines do not meet within the boundary of the graph plot and if they are parallel, that means there is no moderation effect. I also the primer on PLS-SEM by Prof. Hair. But there also I did not find any concrete answer to my problem. 

This is why I am not able to make a decision.

Please Help.

Thank You