International in scope, Ethology publishes original research on behaviour including physiological mechanisms, function, and evolution. The Journal addresses behaviour in all species, from slime moulds to humans. Experimental research is preferred, both from the field and the lab, that is grounded in a theoretical framework. The section 'Perspectives and Current Debates' provides overviews of an aspect of the field as well as theoretical investigations and essays on controversial topics. ‘Ethological Methods’ includes reports of novel methods, and comparative assessments of methods, spanning all levels of analyses that are relevant to understanding behavior (e.g. physiology, genetics, statistics, behavioural assays). ‘Behavioural Notes’ is intended to allow reporting of novel behaviour that fundamentally alters our understanding of the behaviour of a species and/or redirects or inspires novel research.
Ethology supports the publication of studies that report negative results and welcomes replicates of earlier experiments that are relevant to our readers if the replication is part of larger study, or if the importance of the replication is well-justified.  Publication of negative results is also encouraged, as long as the methods and analyses are sufficient to offer clear evidence that the negative results are valid.