I might be interested in this for an acute effect. An integrating sample gives a measure of cumulative exposure over some defined interval of time. I might be interested in this for a chronic effect. Given the temporal evolution of a field, be able to calculate a time-weighted average. An individual is exposed to this field for three days.
Empirical success refers to the ability of a model to provide accurate predictions of a phenomenon.
Conceptual success refers to the ability of the underlying theory to explain key aspects of that phenomenon and to ensure that the model gives the correct predictions for the correct reason. Rationalism refers to the claim that the model is correct because one clearly and distinctly perceives the axioms of the model to be correct, and all steps leading to the predictions are deductive. Pragmatism refers to the claim that a model is correct because the use of that model leads reliably to the desired results when applied to actions. One could use only the best established body of evidence. One could look at each body of evidence separately in subsequent lines of reasoning and examine the coherence of conclusions.