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Figure: Goldilocks effect in problem valuation: Harder problems are more rewarding, but are less likely to be solved. This determines optimum difficulty we look for. The expected reward will then be evaluated in the light of execution costs. Proficient problem solvers are good at spotting problems that maximize the reward. Children are quickly bored with easy games. They also give up games that go beyond their level. They naturally oscillate around games that provide maximum reward, which comes somewhere in the middle of the difficulty range. The same mechanisms work for children, adults or problem solving animals