Curriculum Vitae
James J. Cummings
May 2015
Personal
Department of Communication
Stanford University
Building 120, Room 110
450 Serra Mall
Stanford, CA 94305-2050
(315) 254-6243
cummingj@stanford.edu
http://www.stanford.edu/~cummingj
Research Interests:
Multitasking, cognitive processing of media, emotion and motivation, digital games, user choice & decisionmaking, psychophysiological measures, behavior change
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Communication (focus in HCI) – Stanford University
Projected 2015
Dissertation Topic: Media Use on a Laptop Computer: Moment by Moment Analysis of Task-Switching
During Serious Work
Committee: Dr. Byron Reeves, Dr. Jeremy Bailenson, Dr. James T. Hamilton, and Dr. Daniel Schwartz
Master of Arts, Telecommunications – Indiana University
Thesis Topic: Electromyographic Response to Avatar Facial Expressions
Committee: Dr. Edward Castronova, Dr. Robert F. Potter, and Dr. Bryant Paul
2009
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Anthropology – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
2004
Publications
Refereed Journal Articles
Cummings, J.J. & Bailenson, J.N. (In Press). How immersive is enough?: A meta-analysis of the effect of
immersive technology on user presence. Media Psychology.
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Reeves, B., Yeykelis, L., & Cummings, J.J. (In Press). The use of media in media psychology. Media
Psychology.
Yeykelis, L., Cummings, J.J., & Reeves, B. (2014). Multitasking on a computer: Arousal and the frequency,
anticipation, and prediction of task-switching. Journal of Communication, 64(1), 167-192.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., Scarborough, J.K., & Yeykelis, L. (2013). Increasing energy efficiency with
entertainment media: An experimental and field test of the influence of a social game on performance of
energy behaviors. Environment & Behavior.
Cummings, J.J. & Ross, T. L. (2011). Optimizing the psychological benefits of choice: Information transparency
& heuristic use in game environments. International Journal of Gaming and Computer-Mediated Simulations,
3(3), 19-33.
Castronova, E., Bell, M.W., Carlton, M., Cornell, R., Cummings, J.J., Emigh, W., Falk, M., Fatten, M.,
LaFourest, P., Reynard, J., Robbins, S., Ross, T., Ryan, W., & Starks, R. (2009). A test of the law of demand
in a virtual world: Exploring the Petri dish approach to social science. International Journal of Gaming and
Computer-Mediated Simulations, 1(2), 1-16.
Castronova, E., Cummings, J.J., Emigh, W., Fatten, M., Mishler, N., Ross, T., & Ryan, W. (2009). Case study:
The economics of Arden. Special issue of Critical Studies in Media Communication, 26(2), 165-179.
Revise and Resubmit Requests
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., & Scarborough, J.K. (under review). Using games and virtual worlds to change the
nature of work.
Cummings, J.J. & Potter, R.F. (under review). Physiological and self-reported responses to dynamic emotional
change in game avatars.
Journal Manuscripts Under Preparation
Cummings, J.J. & Yeykelis, L. From conventional to theoretically based definitions of media tasks and
multitasking: A review of past literature and proposed guidelines for future research
Book Chapters
Castronova, E., Ross, T.L., Bell, M.W., Cummings, J.J., & Falk, M. (2011). A test of the law of demand in a
virtual world: Exploring the Petri dish approach to social science. In R.E. Ferdig (Ed.), Discoveries in Gaming
and Computer-Mediated Simulations: New Interdisciplinary Applications (pp.301-314). Hershey, PA: IGI
Global.
Castronova, E., Bell, M.W., Cornell, R., Cummings, J.J., Falk, M., Field, A., Robbins, S., & Ross, T. (2009).
Synthetic worlds as experimental instruments. In M.J.P. Wolf & B. Perron (Eds.), The Video Game Theory
Reader: Volume 2 (pp.273-294). New York: Routledge.
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Castronova, E., Bell, M.W., Cummings, J.J., Emigh, W., Falk, M., Fatten, M., Mishler, N., Ross, T., & Ryan, W.
(2009). Virtual world economies: A case study of the economics of Arden. In D. Heider (Ed.), Living
Virtually: Researching New Worlds (pp.165-189). New York: Peter Lang Publishing, Inc.
Castronova, E., Cummings, J.J., Emigh, W., Fatten, M., Mishler, N., Ross, T., & Ryan, W. (2007). What is a
synthetic world? In. F. von Borries, S. Walz, and M. Böttger (Eds), Space Time Play: Computer Games,
Architecture and Urbanism: The Next Level (pp. 174-181). Basel: Birkhäuser.
Other Publications (Proceedings, Invited Papers, Refereed Abstracts)
Cummings, J.J., Bailenson, J.N., & Fidler, M.J. (2012). How immersive is enough? A foundation for a metaanalysis of the effect of immersive technology on measured presence. Proceedings of the International Society
for Presence Research Annual Conference. October 24-26, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., & Anderson, D. (2011). Leveraging the Engagement of Games to Change Energy
Behavior. Proceedings of the ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Gamification
Workshop, May 7, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., Scarborough, J., & Read, J.L. (2010). Government uses for games and virtual
worlds: Optimizing choices for citizens and government workers in the areas of energy efficiency, educational
assessment, work productivity, safety and health, and quality of information exchanges. White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy’s Occasional Papers series.
Cummings, J.J. & Potter, R.F. (2010, April). Physiological and self-reported responses to dynamic emotional
change in actual computer game avatars. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, 41(2), 105.
Potter, R.F., Chung, H., Cummings, J.J. (2008, October). Response to music varies according to motivation
activation. Psychophysiology,45(Supplement), S108.
Castronova, E., Cummings, J.J., Emigh, W., Fatten, M., Mishler, N., & Starks, R. (2007). Synthetic worlds, real
results. Harvard Interactive Media Review, 1(1).
Presentations
Refereed Conference Presentations
Cummings, J.J., & Bailenson, J.N. (2015). How Immersive is Enough? A Meta-Analysis of the Effect of
Immersive Technology on User Presence. Poster presented at the 65th Annual International Communication
Association Conference (Information Systems Division), San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Yeykelis, L., Cummings, J.J., & Reeves, B. (2015). The Effects of Media Multitasking on Emotion and Content
Choice Over a Week of Laptop Use. Poster presented at the 65th Annual International Communication
Association Conference (Information Systems Division), San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Cummings, J.J. (2014). Easy pickings: Using heuristics to optimize player choices & enjoyment. As part of
“Psycho/biological considerations for human interactions within video games.” Panel conducted at 100th
Annual National Communication Association Conference, Chicago, IL. With: Dr. Nicholas Bowman, Dr.
Matthew Grizzard, Richard Huskey, Dr. Rene Weber, Teresa Lynch, and Nicholas Matthews.
Yeykelis, L. Cummings, J.J., Lang, A., & Reeves, B. (2013). Investigating a novel measure of skin conductance
for assessing cognitive involvement in media tasks. Paper presented at 53rd Annual Society for
Psychophysiological Research Conference, Florence, Italy.
Yeykelis, L., Cummings, J.J., & Reeves, B. (2013). Multitasking on a computer: Emotions and the frequency,
anticipation, and prediction of task-switching. Paper presented at the 63rd Annual International
Communication Association Conference (Information Systems Division), London, England.
Ross, T. L. & Cummings, J.J. (2013). How much choice do gamers want? The effects of choice assortment and
complexity on enjoyment, frustration, and regret. Poster presented at the 63rd Annual International
Communication Association Conference (Games Studies Special Interest Group), London, England.
Cummings, J.J. & Yeykelis, L. (2013). Dynamic regulation of player states through adaptive gaming: A
motivated cognition approach. Paper presented at the 63rd Annual International Communication Association
Conference (Game Studies SIG Pre-conference – “The Power of Play: Motivational Uses and Applications of
Digital Games”), London, England.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., Scarborough, J.K., & Flora, J. (2013). How video games can
change energy behavior and reduce consumption. Paper presented at the Garrison Institute Climate, Mind and
Behavior Symposium. Garrison, NY.
Cummings, J.J., Bailenson, J.N., & Fidler, M.J. (2012). How immersive is enough? A foundation for a metaanalysis of the effect of immersive technology on measured presence. Paper presented at the International
Society for Presence Research Annual Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., Scarborough, J.K., Flora, J., & Anderson, D. (2012). Can games change energy
behavior and reduce consumption? Paper presented at the 2012 Behavior, Energy & Climate Change
Conference, Sacramento, CA.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., Scarborough, J.K., Anderson, D., & Flora, J. (2012). Leveraging the engagement of
games to change energy behavior. Paper presented at the 2012 International Conference on Collaboration
Technologies and Systems, Denver, CO.
Reeves, B., Cummings, J.J., & Anderson, D. (2011). Leveraging the engagement of games to change energy
behavior. Paper presented at the ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems
(Gamification Workshop), Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Cummings J.J. & Ross, T. L. (2010). Optimizing the psychological benefits of choice: Information transparency
& heuristic use in game environments. Paper presented at the Meaningful Play Conference, Lansing, MI.
Cummings, J.J. & Potter, R.F. (2009). Physiological and self-reported responses to dynamic emotional change in
actual computer game avatars. Paper presented at the Australian Society for Psychophysiology Conference,
Newcastle, New South Wales.
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Cummings, J.J., Potter, R.F., & Chung, H. (2009). Smile and the virtual world smiles with you:
Electromyographic responses to avatar facial expressions. Paper and poster presented at the 59th International
Communication Association Conference (Information Systems Division), Chicago, IL.
Potter, R.F., Chung, H., & Cummings, J.J. (2008). Response to music varies according to motivation activation.
Paper presented at the 48th Annual Society for Psychophysiological Research Conference, Austin, TX.
Castronova, E. & Cummings, J.J. (2007). Economics of Arden. Paper presented at the 93rd Annual National
Communication Association Conference, Chicago, IL.
Cummings, J.J. & Foels, R. (2003). Mate preferences and gender socialization: Evidence against simple
evolutionary explanations. Paper presented at the Society of Southeastern Social Psychologists Conference.
Greensboro, NC.
Invited Presentations
“Taking Games Seriously: Leveraging the Engagement of Games for Learning and Behavior Change.” (2014,
August 21). Science and Technology Leadership Association, Educational Games Forum, Stanford
University, Stanford, CA.
“Leveraging the Engagement of Games to Change Energy Behavior.” (2013, January 29). CICERO Learning
Stanford University Site Visit, Stanford, CA.
“How Immersive is Enough? A Foundation for a Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Immersive Technology on
Measured Presence.” (2012, October 11). Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Stanford, CA.
“Leveraging the Engagement of Games to Change Energy Behavior.” (2011, November 21). Research
Experience Program, Foothill College, Los Altos Hills, CA.
“New Media and Energy Behavior: Using the Engagement of Games, Virtual Worlds and Social Networking to
Change Energy Behavior.” (2011, November 3). U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-E Site Visit, Stanford,
CA.
“Arden: World of William Shakespeare.” (2007, May 23). MacArthur Foundation. Chicago, IL.
“Synthetic Worlds: The Real World of Online Games.” (2007, May 10). HAVAS New Media – Logistics
Research and Catalyst Global Meeting. Miami, FL.
“Arden: World of William Shakespeare & the Multiverse Platform”. (2007, March 7-9). Game Developers
Conference, Floor Demonstration. San Francisco, CA.
“Arden: World of William Shakespeare.” (2006, November 3). Ball State University. Muncie, IN.
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Research Appointments
Graduate Research Assistant
Stanford University
P.I. Jeremy Bailenson
2014
Virtual Human Interaction Lab
Immersion at Scale Project – large-scale national field study using commercial mobile systems to
investigate the relative contribution of different immersive features to the ideal virtual experience.
Graduate Research Assistant
Stanford University
P.I. Byron Reeves
2010-2013
U.S. Department of Energy ARPA-e
Field and laboratory research investigating effect of embedding real world energy data into a social
game experience.
Graduate Research Assistant
Indiana University
P.I. Edward Castronova
2008-2009
Research and design for a browser-based virtual world for testing theories of macroeconomic
development (Greenland: A Persistent Political Economy at the Dawn of the Iron Age).
Graduate Research Assistant
Indiana University
P.I. Edward Castronova
2006-2007
MacArthur Foundation
Design and production of a multiplayer online game for testing economic theory. (Arden: World of
William Shakespeare).
Teaching Experience
Instructor
Computers and Interfaces: Psychological and Social Issues
Stanford University (Fall 2014)
Created lectures, constructed exams, managed team of teaching assistants. Distinction of department
appointing a graduate student as instructor of record for a major course during the regular academic
session.
Media Psychology
Stanford University (Spring 2014)
Created lectures, constructed exams, managed team of teaching assistants, lead in-class lab exercises.
Distinction of department appointing a graduate student as instructor of record for a major course during
the regular academic session.
Fun & Games: Motivational Design of User Experiences
Stanford University (Summer 2012)
Created and taught a course for 30 students, comprised of Stanford undergraduate and graduate students
as well as visiting students from various U.S. and international universities. Received 4.8/5.0 overall
evaluation.
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Teaching Assistant
Media Technologies, People, and Society
Stanford University (Fall 2013)
Constructed exams, graded assignments, lead weekly discussion sections
Media Psychology
Stanford University (Spring 2013)
Constructed exams, graded assignments, lead weekly in-class lab experiments
Media Psychology
Stanford University (Spring 2012)
Revamped curriculum and course structure to include in-class media-based lab experiments and
activities
Communication Research Methods
Stanford University (Winter 2011)
Constructed exams, graded assignments, lead weekly discussion sections
Electronic Media Sales
Constructed exams, graded assignments
Indiana University (Spring 2008)
Living in the Information Age
Indiana University (Fall 2007)
Constructed exams, graded assignments, lead weekly discussion sections
Invited Lectures
Media Technologies, People, and Society
Topic: Multitasking
Stanford University (Fall 2013)
Media Psychology
Topic: A ‘Cognitive Teardown’ of Angry Birds
Stanford University (Spring 2013)
Media Psychology
Topic: Information Processing: Schemas & Priming
Stanford University (Spring 2012)
Media Psychology
Topic: Multitasking
Stanford University (Spring 2012)
Multiplayer Game Design
Topic: Writing Lore & Backstory for Game Design
Indiana University (Fall 2007)
Grants, Awards, & Honors
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Ric Weiland Graduate Fellowship in the Humanities & Sciences (2012-2014)
Top Paper Award. Meaningful Play Conference (2010)
Academic Fellowship, Department of Communication, Stanford University (2009)
Academic Merit Scholarship & Stipend, Department of Telecommunications, Indiana University –
Bloomington (2006)
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Carolina Entrepreneurial Initiative: Social Entrepreneurship, Second Place (2005)
Psi Chi, National Honor Society in Psychology (2004)
Professional Activity & Service
Journal Reviewer
Journal of Communication (2013)
IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing (2013)
Environment & Behavior (2013)
Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine (2013)
American Journal of Play (2008)
Conference Reviewer
International Communication Association – Information Systems Division (2008 – Present)
International Communication Association – Games Studies SIG (2009 – Present)
International Society for Presence Research (2013)
Gamification 2013 (2013)
Foundations of Digital Games (2012)
Conference Programming Committee
International Society for Presence Research (2013)
Professional Affiliations
Member, International Communication Association
Member, National Communication Association
Member, Society for Psychophysiological Research
Technical
Statistics – SPSS, R
Web – HTML, CSS
Python, Java
Content Management – Drupal
Research Software – Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Sona Systems, MediaLab
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