Why Self-Esteem Helps to Solve Problems: An Algorithmic Explanation

Authors

Oscar Ortiz, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Henry Salgado, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Olga Kosheleva, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow
Vladik Kreinovich, The University of Texas at El PasoFollow

Publication Date

3-1-2022

Comments

Technical Report: UTEP-CS-22-47

Abstract

It is known that self-esteem helps solve problems. From the algorithmic viewpoint, this seems like a mystery: a boost in self-esteem does not provide us with new algorithms, does not provide us with ability to compute faster -- but somehow, with the same algorithmic tools and the same ability to perform the corresponding computations, students become better problem solvers. In this paper, we provide an algorithmic explanation for this surprising empirical phenomenon.