The answer is that the subclass method can have a different return type. This is true because method overriding in Python using super focuses on the method name and signature, not the return type; Python is dynamically typed, so the interpreter does not enforce return type consistency between parent and child methods. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept tests your understanding that overriding is about replacing behavior, not matching return annotations, and a common trap is assuming that a different return type breaks the override relationship. Remember, in Python, the same method name in the child class always overrides the parent’s version, regardless of what the child returns. For a quick memory tip: “Same name, any return — Python won’t spurn.”
PCAP Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which THREE of the following are true about method overriding in Python?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The subclass method must have the same name.
Option A is correct because method overriding in Python requires the subclass method to have the same name as the parent class method. This is the fundamental rule of overriding — without the same name, the method is not overriding but rather defining a new method. The subclass method replaces the inherited method when called on an instance of the subclass.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The subclass method must have the same name.
Why this is correct
Method overriding is based on the same method name as in the parent class.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
The parent method can be called using `super()`.
Why this is correct
`super()` is the standard way to invoke the overridden parent method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The `@override` decorator is required.
Why it's wrong here
Python has no built-in `@override` decorator; it is not required for overriding.
✓
The subclass method can have a different return type.
Why this is correct
Python does not enforce return type, so a different return type is allowed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The subclass method can have a different number of parameters.
Why it's wrong here
For proper overriding, the signature should match; otherwise, it's not considered overriding (though Python does not enforce it).
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the misconception that Python requires an `@override` decorator (like Java or C#) or that changing the parameter list is allowed in overriding, when in fact Python uses implicit overriding based solely on method name and expects the same signature for correct polymorphic behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Python, method overriding is resolved at runtime via the MRO (Method Resolution Order). When a method is called on an instance, Python traverses the class hierarchy in MRO order and uses the first implementation found. The `super()` function allows explicit delegation to the parent class method, which is essential for cooperative multiple inheritance. A subtle behavior is that if the subclass method has a different number of parameters, Python will not raise an error at definition time, but calling the method with the parent's signature will fail at runtime, breaking polymorphism.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The subclass method must have the same name. — Option A is correct because method overriding in Python requires the subclass method to have the same name as the parent class method. This is the fundamental rule of overriding — without the same name, the method is not overriding but rather defining a new method. The subclass method replaces the inherited method when called on an instance of the subclass.
What should I do if I get this PCAP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO statements about method overriding in Python are correct?
medium
✓ A.The overriding method can call the parent method using super()
✓ B.The overriding method must have the same name
C.The overriding method requires explicit use of the @override decorator
D.The overriding method must have the exact same parameter list
E.Overriding is resolved at compile time
Why A: Option A is correct because the overriding method can call the parent class's version of the method using the built-in `super()` function, which returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the parent class. This is a fundamental feature of Python's inheritance mechanism, allowing the child method to extend or modify the parent's behavior while still invoking it.
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This PCAP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute 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 PCAP exam.
Question Discussion
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