在國際范圍內，動物行為學發表關于行為的原始研究，包括生理機制、功能和進化。該雜志研究了所有物種的行為，從黏液霉菌到人類。實驗研究是首選，從現場和實驗室，以理論框架為基礎。“觀點和當前辯論”一節提供了該領域的一個方面的概述，以及關于有爭議話題的理論調查和論文。“行為學方法”包括對新方法的報告，以及對方法的比較評估，涵蓋了與理解行為相關的所有層次的分析(例如生理學、遺傳學、統計學、行為分析)。“行為記錄”的目的是讓報告新的行為，從根本上改變我們對物種行為的理解和/或重定向或激發新的研究。動物行為學支持發表報告負面結果的研究，并歡迎對早期實驗的復制，如果復制是大型研究的一部分，或者復制的重要性是有充分理由的，那么這些復制對我們的讀者來說是相關的。也鼓勵公布負面結果，只要方法和分析足以提供明確的證據證明負面結果是有效的。

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.