Before starting any (animal) research project, review of the existing literature is good practice. From both the scientific and the ethical perspective, high-quality literature reviews are essential. Literature reviews have many potential advantages besides synthesising the evidence for a research question. First, they can show if a proposed study has already been performed, preventing redundant research. Second, when planning new experiments, reviews can inform the experimental design, thereby increasing the reliability, relevance and efficiency of the study. Third, reviews may even answer research questions using already available data. Multiple definitions of the term literature review co-exist. In this paper, we describe the different steps in the review process, and the risks and benefits of using various methodologies in each step. We then suggest common terminology for different review types: narrative reviews, mapping reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, systematic reviews and umbrella reviews. We recommend which review to select, depending on the research question and available resources. We believe that improved understanding of review methods and terminology will prevent ambiguity and increase appropriate interpretation of the conclusions of reviews.

在开始任何（动物）研究项目之前，回顾现有文献是一个很好的做法。从科学和伦理的角度来看，高质量的文献综述都是至关重要的。除了综合研究问题的证据之外，文献综述还有许多潜在的优势。首先，他们可以显示拟议的研究是否已经进行，从而防止重复的研究。其次，在计划新实验时，评论可以为实验设计提供信息，从而提高研究的可靠性、相关性和效率。第三，评论甚至可以使用现有数据回答研究问题。文献综述一词的多种定义并存。在本文中，我们描述了审核过程中的不同步骤，以及在每个步骤中使用各种方法的风险和好处。然后，我们建议不同评论类型的通用术语：叙述性评论、映射评论、范围界定评论、快速评论、系统评论和伞式评论。我们根据研究问题和可用资源建议选择哪个综述。我们相信，加深对评审方法和术语的理解将防止歧义并增加对评审结论的适当解释。