15.11 Beyond DNA Matches

Although the main results of DNA testing focus on ethnicity and matches, there are many other tools and strategies used by researchers to discover helpful data from DNA results. Some are just fun things like personal traits. Based on DNA data, these personal traits suggest traits like whether the tester has a clef chin or might be good at endurance running. Some focus on physical traits like eye color; others look at preferences such as whether or not the tester enjoys cilantro. There are additional tools that are more helpful for research. DNA painters, chromosome mappers, one-to-one comparison tools, one-to-many matches, and the opportunity to upload test results to another company in order to use their database can all be very beneficial to forwarding the project and answering the research question. These are just a few of many innovations that work together to make sense of DNA data.1

Because DNA is a piece of evidence, like a birth certificate or census schedule, when writing reports and communicating about findings, “researchers should include all necessary documentary evidence, as standards and best practices indicate, when writing proof arguments and essays that include DNA evidence.”2 The more evidence that is presented, the more compelling the argument. Incorporating traditional genealogy, as taught in previous chapters, will add interest and make better communications about the research. Remember to use research logs and the family group record throughout the DNA research process so the project gets completely documented and logged and so all research is in one convenient and accessible place when it is time to write reports or proof summaries. Solid, standard citations are just as important for DNA evidence as for any of the other record types.

Other resources for genetic genealogy abound. There are numerous social media groups on a variety of platforms where hobby and professional genealogists can interact, strategize, and learn from each other. There are blogs and video demonstrations and online courses offered with innovative ideas and opportunities to practice case studies. Local community or church groups may have classes. Libraries may have learning resources; civic groups that celebrate founding families or people involved in certain historical events may be looking for members.

An excellent resource for genetic genealogy questions is the wiki created by the International Society of Genetic Genealogy.3 Researchers can use the website to link to a myriad of genetic topics and resources addressing genetic genealogy. The FamilySearch Wiki is also a good place to find answers to genetic genealogy queries.