Quick Answer
The answer is Child Parent. This output occurs because the code first calls c.show(), which executes the overridden show() method in the Child class and prints 'Child', then super(Child, c).show() explicitly invokes the Parent class’s show() method on the same instance c, printing 'Parent'. Using super() with explicit arguments like super(Child, c) directly specifies both the class to skip and the instance to operate on, allowing you to bypass the method resolution order and call a specific parent method. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this tests your understanding of super() beyond its default zero-argument form, often appearing in questions about inheritance and method overriding. A common trap is forgetting that super() with explicit arguments still requires the instance to match the class hierarchy; here, c is a Child instance, so super(Child, c) correctly resolves to Parent. Memory tip: think of super(Child, c) as “skip Child, use c, go to Parent.”
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.
Given the following code: class Parent: def show(self): print('Parent') class Child(Parent): def show(self): print('Child') c = Child(); c.show(); super(Child, c).show(). What is the output?
Parent Child
Why wrong: Order reversed.
Child Parent
First call Child method, second call Parent method.
Child Child
Why wrong: Second call uses super, so Parent method is invoked.
Parent Parent
Why wrong: First call is from Child, not Parent.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Child Parent
Option B is correct because the code first calls `c.show()`, which invokes the overridden `show()` method in the `Child` class, printing 'Child'. Then `super(Child, c).show()` calls the `show()` method of the `Parent` class (the superclass of `Child`) on the same instance `c`, printing 'Parent'. Thus the output is 'Child Parent'.
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.
Parent Child
Why it's wrong here
Order reversed.
Child Parent
Why this is correct
First call Child method, second call Parent method.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Child Child
Why it's wrong here
Second call uses super, so Parent method is invoked.
Parent Parent
Why it's wrong here
First call is from Child, not Parent.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the order of execution when `super()` is used with an overridden method, trapping candidates who think `super()` always calls the immediate parent without considering the MRO or who confuse the output order of the two `show()` calls.
Detailed technical explanation
In Python, `super()` returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the next class in the method resolution order (MRO) of the given instance's class. Here, `super(Child, c).show()` follows the MRO of `Child` (which is `Child -> Parent -> object`) and calls `Parent.show()`. This mechanism is essential for cooperative multiple inheritance, where `super()` ensures each class in the MRO is called exactly once, as per the C3 linearization algorithm.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Child Parent — Option B is correct because the code first calls `c.show()`, which invokes the overridden `show()` method in the `Child` class, printing 'Child'. Then `super(Child, c).show()` calls the `show()` method of the `Parent` class (the superclass of `Child`) on the same instance `c`, printing 'Parent'. Thus the output is 'Child Parent'.
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 30, 2026
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.
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