As a science biblical archaeology is part of the social sciences. In this context it is a secular field. As such, the basis of biblical archaeology lies in the methods of science not in religious faith nor with the humanities. Scientific knowledge in biblical archaeology progresses based upon hypothesis formation and testing against the archaeological record. A hypothesis is a tentative explanation in response to a specific scientifically posed question.
Social scientists test research hypotheses through making observations or conducting experiments.
Hence, science does not proceed on the basis of proof but upon the testing of hypotheses. The process is one of falsification. When the data contradict a research hypothesis then, in the process of explanation, the researcher either rejects or modifies the hypothesis. Sets of tested research hypotheses give rise to general theory. Verification proceeds by the testing of a research hypothesis by other reputable researchers.