In this endeavor, archaeologists do everything they can to reject their explanation. If they cannot negate it, then their explanation comes as close to the truth as the scientific method allows. It should always be remembered, however, that new data may come to light at any time which forces the investigators to reevaluate their explanation. Verification is a vital part of the scientific process. But unlike researchers in other disciplines, archaeologists destroy their data as they collect it.
Archaeological sites are nonrenewable and, once excavated, they are gone forever.
Thus it is the responsibility of every archaeologist to document the precise location of every exposed artifact, ecofact, feature, and stratum. With these data, another archaeologist should be able to verify the temporal and spatial relationships at the site. If the data cannot be independently validated, then the interpretations of the site fall into question. If the data are verified, then the discovery may lead to the formulation of a new paradigm. A paradigm is a conceptual framework with an overall research strategy, unique set of goals, methods, and theory.