What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ethnography
Example
The ethnography of this tribe revealed unique cultural practices. [ethnography: noun]
Example
She conducted ethnographic research on the social dynamics of the community. [ethnographic: adjective]
ethology
Example
Jane Goodall's work on chimpanzee behavior is an example of ethology. [ethology: noun]
Example
The ethological approach emphasizes the importance of studying animals in their natural habitats. [ethological: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ethnography is more commonly used than ethology in everyday language, especially in social sciences and humanities. Ethology is a more specialized field that is primarily used in biology, ecology, and conservation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ethnography and ethology?
Both ethnography and ethology are formal terms used in academic and scientific contexts.