What method involves memorization by mentally repeating a list?

The method that involves memorization by mentally repeating a list is maintenance rehearsal. This technique focuses on the retention of information through repetition without necessarily involving deeper processing of that information. By continuously repeating the material, such as a list of items, individuals can keep it active in their short-term memory, which can facilitate short-term recall.

Maintenance rehearsal is often used for tasks like memorizing a phone number long enough to dial it, whereas elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information to existing knowledge to enhance comprehension and retention. Prospective memory pertains to remembering to perform actions in the future, and priming is about the activation of certain associations in memory that influence response to stimuli without conscious awareness. Maintenance rehearsal is particularly effective for basic repetition and short-term retention, which explains its designation in the context of this question.