Validating a theory gives us the confidence that our mathematical model mimics reality accurately enough so that we can use the model, ultimately, to design something that works as expected when we actually build it. Many experiments contain several procedures. It is important to identify what elements of theory are being validated by each procedure, as well as the general area of validation for the experiment as a whole. In order for an experimental result to validate a theory, the results must be repeatable . This means that someone else, using the same equipment and experimental procedure, should produce the same results that you produce.
Many measurement instruments have dozens of controls, each with a range of settings.
If someone is going to duplicate your experiment to verify your results, instrument settings for each measurement must be recorded. The data or measurements collected represent your observations of reality. Remember, the purpose of the experiment is to compare reality with the mathematical model which purports to mimic it. Validation cannot be accomplished unless a formal method for comparison is utilized in correlating the data to theoretical predictions. There are many well accepted methods for correlating data to theoretical predictions.