The paper presents a new methodology. Properly controlled sensitometry and analysis are used to unveil microscopic information from macroscopic response. The growth rate concept of the hierarchically coupled driving-force model (HCD-Model) provides an aggregated description that remains flexible enough to simulate sensitometric curves very precisely. By unique parameter identification and coherent interpretation, we obtain a simultaneous insight into interacting subsystems as determined by photoelectronic and ionic processes in combination with silver cluster nucleation and growth. Answers to substantial questions of AgX photophysics may be postponed largely to the end of the investigation if relevant results from quantitative analyses have been made available. The approach is outstanding for studies of latent image formation under realistic conditions such as moderate exposure and properly selected photomaterials.