Abstract: To investigate self regulated learning (SRL) and factors that propel it, educational psychologists have developed self-report instruments measuring epistemological beliefs, goal orientation, motivation, and study strategies. However, without the means to observe what students actually do as they interact with learning resources, researchers are poorly equipped to establish potent SRL theories that predict performance and guide students toward effective strategies. gStudy is software that provides tools for operating on learning resources. It logs detailed records of learners’ activities. This paper demonstrates that the type of information provided by gStudy is a missing link needed to advance SRL theories. In the first field trial of gStudy, 197 students taking an educational psychology course used it to study course readings. Students described how they used gStudy and related their activities to self reports of their study strategies, learning goals, and epistemological beliefs.