In the current climate of off-the-shelf assays, we cannot emphasize enough that ethology involves the same level of skilled decision making as any other science. Just as a research neuropharmacologist receives years of training in the selection of the correct assay to efficiently address the research question at hand, such is the essence of an ethologist's training. The selection of the correct observation methods will allow for an efficient and timely data collection schedule, and will yield data that directly pertains to the research question. Poorly designed behavioral studies often lead to a great deal of wasted effort and inconclusive or misleading data. To learn about improving methods for more effective and ethical animal research, visit Beyond3Rs from Stanford Comparative Medicine.

The following pages provide some basic information on setting up apparatus for video recording of mouse behavior in the homecage, and some simple observation methods for common research questions. These are intended to highlight common problems and solutions in gathering this kind of data, rather than function as the end-all-be-all reference for homecage observation of mouse behavior.