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Table 1. Inclusion criteria.
Inclusion criteria
Primary sources( quantitative or qualitative)
Justification
• To allow critique and synthesis of raw, empirical evidence on the research topic
[ 40, 41 ]
• To allow fulfilment of this article ' s aims
Peer-reviewed • Regarded as‘ highest quality’ literature
• Anonymously reviewed by experts in the field following a strict process [ 42 ]
Dated within 10 years( from 2012 to 2022)
• Minimises discussion of outdated reasoning and evidence – literature is built on previous knowledge and up-to-date sources are required for reliability [ 43 ]
Global • Enables a worldwide overview of the topic [ 44 ] Available in English • For understanding
• Author is unable to accurately translate from other languages manually
• Translation could be incorrect and result in misunderstanding Full text available • Required for thorough critique of the study Relevant to topic • Relevant to the literature review
Table 2. Exclusion criteria.
Exclusion criteria Justification
Articles other than research studies
• To ensure that empirical research is explored and evaluated
• Reviewing other article types was not within the aims of this literature review Not peer-reviewed • Not subjected to rigorous review
• Potentially poorer validity and reliability [ 45 ]
Dated over 10 years • Research is ever-changing and fast-paced and evidence bases build on previous research to form conclusions [ 40 ]
• Older research cannot incorporate other literature created after it
Not available in English
• Accurate manual translation is difficult and not possible with the author’ s resources
Full text unavailable • A thorough critique of the study would not be possible Irrelevant to topic • Irrelevant to the research topic and literature review
Literature involving guinea pigs for human-related studies
Literature about species other than guinea pigs
• While often containing some useful information, this literature does not focus on guinea pig welfare and needs
• Unnecessary when there is more focused and relevant literature available
• Would not generate literature appropriate or relevant for this literature review
Appendix 1( to page 24 of VNJ). Inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Veterinary Nursing Journal | Volume 40( 5) • October 2025 | EXCLUSIVE DIGITAL CONTENT
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