Hmm I don't know about this. Since this is an integration test I would just put what the user can see. For example I'd put `expect(page).to have_content("Hello user"). Then you can make a unit test to the controller or model that changes the User.count by 1.
You want to do outside-in testing. Test features with the Integration test (simulate the user literally filling in stuff and clicking) while testing the web-appy things with unit tests.
scenario 'with a valid email and password' do
visit new_account_path
fill_in_account_fields
fill_in_user_fields('valid@example.com', 'foobar123')
click_button 'Sign Up'
expect(page).to have_content 'Hi Guy'
end
Check these out. The Everyday Rails book is worth every penny.
http://everydayrails.com/2014/01/15/outside-in-example-ruby-tapas.html
This is the screencast from the talk: