Definition
In a multiple-choice test item, the keyed response is the answer choice designated by the test writer as correct. All other choices in the item are distractors (sometimes called alternatives or foils).
Plain English
It is the right answer in a multiple-choice question — the one the test writer marked as correct on the answer key.
Context Anchor
Seen when writing, reviewing, or grading multiple-choice questions in aviation training.
Derivation
‘Keyed’ comes from ‘answer key’ — the master list of correct answers. A ‘keyed response’ is simply the response that matches the key.
Why Pilots Care
Aviation instructors who write or review knowledge tests need to clearly distinguish the keyed response from the distractors. A poorly written item where the keyed response is ambiguous, or where a distractor is also defensible, weakens the test and can unfairly penalize students.
Intuition Check
Do not read “keyed” as meaning typed on a keyboard or radioed with a microphone key. Here it means marked in the answer key as the correct choice.
Example Sentence 1
When reviewing the test item, the instructor confirmed that option B was the keyed response and the other three choices were plausible distractors.
Example Sentence 2
Choosing the keyed response shows the student understood the question correctly.