First, you need the practice of developing a model. Even if you end up reproducing exactly something that is in the literature already you will have learned a lot by doing it|and you can feel awfully good about yourself for developing a publishable idea! (Even if you didn't get to publish it yourself : : : ) Second, you might come up with a di erent approach than is found in the literature. If you look at what someone else did your thoughts will be shaped too much by their views|you are much more likely to be original if you plunge right in and try to develop your.
