What is the shadowing technique in cognitive psychology?

The shadowing technique in cognitive psychology refers specifically to the practice of repeating a word or phrase immediately after hearing it. This method is often utilized in studies of auditory perception and attention, particularly in experiments that explore selective attention. One classic application of the shadowing technique is found in dichotic listening tasks, where participants hear different messages in each ear and are instructed to repeat back only one of the messages. This technique helps researchers understand how individuals filter auditory information and focus on specific stimuli while ignoring potential distractions.

The other choices reflect different concepts within cognitive psychology but do not accurately describe the shadowing technique. Listening to music while completing a task involves multitasking but does not pertain to the immediate repetition aspect of shadowing. Focusing on one sensory input by blocking out others relates more to selective attention, not the act of repeating what is heard. Reading while talking to someone also involves juggling multiple tasks and does not encapsulate the essence of the shadowing method.