Quick Answer
The correct answer is that only the instance method show() can be overridden. This is because in Java, static methods belong to the class itself rather than to any specific instance, so they cannot be overridden in the traditional sense—they can only be hidden by a child class’s own static method. Instance methods, by contrast, participate in polymorphism and can be overridden to provide subclass-specific behavior. On the Oracle Java Foundations 1Z0-811 exam, this concept frequently appears in questions testing the distinction between method overriding and method hiding, often as a trap where candidates assume all methods can be overridden. A common trick is that the child class’s static method will compile but will not exhibit polymorphic dispatch when called through a parent reference. Remember: static methods hide, instance methods override—if it says static, think class-level, not object-level.
This 1Z0-811 practice question tests your understanding of java basics and syntax. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A parent class has a static method display() and an instance method show(). A child class attempts to override both. What is the outcome?
Both will be overridden
Why wrong: Static methods cannot be overridden.
Only show() can be overridden
Instance methods are overridden; static methods are hidden.
Only display() can be overridden
Why wrong: Static methods cannot be overridden.
Neither can be overridden
Why wrong: Instance methods can be overridden.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Only show() can be overridden
In Java, static methods belong to the class, not instances, so they cannot be overridden—they can only be hidden. Instance methods, however, can be overridden to provide polymorphic behavior. Therefore, only the instance method show() can be overridden; display() is hidden, not overridden.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Both will be overridden
Why it's wrong here
Static methods cannot be overridden.
Only show() can be overridden
Why this is correct
Instance methods are overridden; static methods are hidden.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Only display() can be overridden
Why it's wrong here
Static methods cannot be overridden.
Neither can be overridden
Why it's wrong here
Instance methods can be overridden.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse method hiding with overriding, assuming static methods follow the same polymorphic rules as instance methods, leading them to incorrectly select option A or C.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, method overriding relies on dynamic dispatch at runtime via the virtual method table (vtable), which only applies to instance methods. Static methods are resolved at compile time based on the reference type, not the object type, so hiding occurs instead. In real-world scenarios, this distinction is critical when designing frameworks that rely on polymorphism, such as template method patterns or callback mechanisms.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 1Z0-811 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Java Basics and Syntax — This question tests Java Basics and Syntax — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Only show() can be overridden — In Java, static methods belong to the class, not instances, so they cannot be overridden—they can only be hidden. Instance methods, however, can be overridden to provide polymorphic behavior. Therefore, only the instance method show() can be overridden; display() is hidden, not overridden.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
This 1Z0-811 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Oracle certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 1Z0-811 exam.
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