There is no existing research or published work that directly addresses the specific topic or question they are investigating.
In simpler terms, it means:
* No one has studied this before. There are no previous studies, articles, books, or other publications that explore the exact issue they are interested in.
* The topic is new and unexplored. The researcher is breaking new ground and potentially making an original contribution to the field.
* More research is needed. This statement often signifies a gap in the existing knowledge base and highlights the need for further research.
Example:
"While there is a large body of research on the impact of social media on teenagers' self-esteem, the extant literature is silent on the specific influence of social media on the self-esteem of teenagers with autism."
Implications:
* Opportunity: It can be an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the field and be a pioneer in the area.
* Challenge: It can also be a challenge, as the researcher will need to develop their own research methodology and framework to investigate the issue.
It's important to note that the term "silent" is not always absolute. There might be some related research that provides some background or context, but nothing directly addressing the specific issue.