The term "previous studies" refers to any research or investigations that have been conducted before a current study. This can include previous research on the same topic, as well as other related areas of investigation. The purpose of citing and discussing previous studies in a research paper is to provide context for the current study by showing how it relates to and builds upon existing knowledge in the field. By acknowledging and incorporating previous studies into their work, researchers can demonstrate the importance of their own findings within the broader framework of scientific inquiry.