[henning]

The author could first reproduce models and results from papers before trying to extend that work. Starting with something working helps.

[skeledrew]

I've found that many times new approaches are discovered by not having the bias created by knowledge of existing research. Knowing what others have done can sometimes lead to the abandoning of what could actually be a novel path, or unwittingly guide one too far down already discovered paths.

Of course, the knowledge may also sometimes be helpful. So ideally it's good that different persons tackle the problems with knowledge of different amounts and parts of existing work.