As part of the introduction or as part of a separate section, the paper should do a literature review, explaining how the present work relates to work that has already been done. The author should discuss any other works that support or criticize the theory underlying the paper. More importantly, the author should note any prior empirical findings on the topic, particularly noting any strengths or weaknesses of the prior studies. The author can then explain how the research to be presented is motivated by and fits into this existing literature. Such an approach is "essential forthe growth of a cumulative science ."