A shaded-pole motor is aided in starting by which of the following?

A shaded-pole motor relies on a unique design feature to assist in starting: the phase shift provided by the shaded pole itself. In these motors, part of the stator winding is covered by a conductive shading coil. This shading causes a phase shift in the magnetic field that enhances the starting torque.

The shading coil creates a delayed magnetic field as the AC current passes through it. This delay causes a difference in the magnetic field's frequency, allowing for a rotating magnetic field to form. As a result, the rotor begins to move in the direction of the field, facilitating the starting process without the need for additional components. This mechanism is particularly efficient for small motors where simplicity and reduced cost are valued.

The other options pertain to different motor types or require additional components that are not typically found in shaded-pole motors. For instance, electric windings and capacitors are components more common in different types of motors where additional starting assistance is necessary, while increased voltage does not specifically apply to the phase characteristics that shaded-pole motors utilize for their operation.