The gold standard is h->e->o->t->p->o - you use the theory to create a new prediction that is confirmed by observation thus supporting the theory. This is what

The gold standard is h->e->o->t->p->o - you use the theory to create a new prediction that is confirmed by observation thus supporting the theory. This is what is so compelling about 20thC physics - so many insights and consequence from the theory that are then supported by subsequent observation and experiment.