The Genealogical Proof Standard outlines five components necessary for achieving genealogical proof:
- Reasonably exhaustive research
- Complete and accurate source citations
- Critical tests of relevant evidence through processes of analysis and correlation
- Resolution of conflicting evidence
- Soundly reasoned, coherently written conclusions
At 23andMe notes can be added by scrolling to the bottom of a match’s profile. Citation: 23andMe, “Notes,” https://you.23andme.com/, accessed August 2023.
In all forms of genealogical investigation, researchers must balance in-depth analysis of individual documents with broader correlation, analysis, and resolution of conflicts between evidence items. In the context of genetic genealogy, researchers frequently must balance in- depth analysis of individual DNA matches of a test subject with broader evaluation of patterns that emerge through consideration of larger pools and groups of DNA matches.
Annotation tools provided by DNA testing companies can support broader analysis efforts, but more advanced analysis and correlation benefits from citations of DNA matches and discussion of DNA evidence in research logs and written reports. Here we explore both approaches.
What to annotate and record for genealogical proof
When analyzing a DNA match, what elements are important to note or remember? What details might link with information from other matches to underpin the formation of a proof argument? DNA match analysis might include some of the following elements, which have been discussed in previous issues of this column:
• recognition of shared ancestral surnames, ancestral localities, or common ancestors in match profiles and attached family trees2
• exploration of ethnicity admixture summaries for a DNA match and how that correlates with their family tree or the potential source of shared DNA with a tester
• categorization of relationships based on the presence or lack of shared match relationships with close genetic cousins
• discussion of any hypothesized cases of misattributed parentage for a tester or their matches
• description of an exact genealogical relationship, and clarification of the generational linkages between a match and their common ancestors with a test subject, perhaps through links to a chart
• evaluation of amounts of total shared DNA and likely relationship levels based on genealogical context
• consideration of clusters of shared matches
• documentation of correspondence and collaboration efforts
• explanation of research efforts to identify a match, extend their family tree, and determine the nature of their relationship
• correlation of segment data, Y-DNA, mtDNA, and X-DNA evidence
• identification of pertinent document evidence that clarifies genetic relationship
These and other details are important elements to consider when annotating DNA matches and when correlating that information and evidence with other DNA matches, in order to build a proof argument dealing with genetic relationships.
Company annotation tools
Each company provides built-in note taking features for DNA matches that can associate analysis of a DNA match directly with their profile in the matching database. These notes are viewable only by the tester or administrator of the test and not by the match. 23andMe has a dedicated notes section at the very bottom of each match profile. At AncestryDNA, researchers can add notes to their matches using a corresponding Add Note link in the header of a match’s profile (underneath the buttons to connect to tree, message, or edit relationship, and beside the Add to Group link).
At AncestryDNA, notes can be added by clicking on the “Add Note” link in the header of the match profile (outlined in red in the accompanying image). Citation: “[Private]’s DNA Matches,” estimated parent/child with Paul Woodbury, sharing 3453 cM across 30 segments, https://ancestry.com, private database, accessed August 2023.
At Family Tree DNA, notes can be added by clicking on the test box icon in the far right top corner of each match’s card in the match list (outlined in red in the accompanying image). Notes are then recorded in a corresponding popup window. Citation: “Family Finder – Matches,” kit [PRIVATE}, estimated half-sibling, uncle/aunt/niece/nephew, grandparent/grandchild with Paul Alan Woodbury, sharing 1750 cM, https://familytreedna.com, private database, accessed August 2023.
Notes at Family Tree DNA are added by clicking on a text box icon on the far right of each match card in the main match list.
At MyHeritage, notes can be added by clicking on the text box icon on the far left of each match’s card in the match list (outlined in red in the accompanying image). “DNA results,” [PRIVATE], estimated grandson, nephew with Paul Alan Woodbury, sharing 2045.7 cM across 23 segments, https://myheritage.com, private database, accessed August 2023.
MyHeritage’s note field is accessed through a text box icon on the far left of each match card in the match list. This same icon can be accessed on the far right of the Review DNA Match page.
Annotating matches in the company interfaces can link a match with a corresponding analysis and research history, but these notes can be difficult to navigate since they are generally not searchable (with the exception of 23andMe). Further, if a match decides to opt out of DNA matching, or delete their kit, their record and any associated notes and analysis will be removed from the company system.
While annotating in a company system may work for some straightforward analyses and correlations, it can be cumbersome for more challenging and complex cases. Analyzing DNA matches in a separate stand-alone document is often more effective for advanced research. However, in those cases, it is important to also properly cite and document DNA matches.
DNA citations for genealogical proof
Citations for DNA matches include the same elements as citations for other forms of documentary evidence: who, what, when, where, and wherein.
Who created the record? In the case of DNA matches, the creators of the record are the companies that perform DNA analysis (23andMe, AncestryDNA, Family Tree DNA, MyHeritage, and others).
What is the record? Most often, information about DNA matches is obtained from reports or databases within the larger company dataset. For example, at 23andMe, DNA matches are presented as part of the DNA Relatives section of the website. This citation element also includes the name of the DNA tester.
When was the source created, published, last modified, or accessed? When citing DNA matches, researchers most often cite the date that the match profile and its contents was accessed.
Where is the source? The location of a DNA match profile is described by the URL of the DNA testing company.
Wherein? Specific information cited about a DNA match should aid in finding that match again but should also include information that supports the evidentiary analysis of that source. Details would most likely include the name and kit manager of the genetic cousin, the amount of shared DNA and estimated relationship (for autosomal DNA), or the genetic distance or haplogroup (for Y-DNA and mtDNA). Other information that might be incorporated into a citation include profile details, ethnicity admixture comparisons, attached family tree information, or chromosome segment data.
Examples of autosomal DNA match citations from several companies follow:
“DNA Relatives,” Paul Woodbury, match with George Woodbury, sharing 13 percent DNA (967 cM); 23andMe (https://you.23andme.com : accessed 23 August 2023).
“Paul Woodbury’s DNA Matches,” match with J. J. managed by Rulon Higgenbotham, sharing 200 cM; AncestryDNA (https://ancestry.com : accessed 23 August 2023).
“Family Finder – Matches,” Paul Woodbury (kit 282828), match with Jemima Kelly, sharing 320 cM; FamilyTreeDNA (https://familytreedna.com : accessed 23 August 2023).
“Paul Woodbury’s DNA Matches,” match with Harry Harris, sharing 60 cM; MyHeritage DNA (https://myheritage.com : accessed 23 August 2023).
Given the formulaic elements of DNA match citations, and given that many of the elements of these citations are available by download from the DNA testing companies, some researchers find it helpful to create automated citation templates. Spreadsheet software (like Excel or Google Sheets) can accept the input of a company download of match information and automatically construct citations for all of a tester’s DNA matches, using formulas to combine the elements of the citation.
Research logs and reports
Once cited, information regarding key DNA matches in the form of written analysis, downloaded information, or even screenshots might be recorded in research logs, reports, and document files. Thus, DNA match information and associated evidence can be preserved regardless of the later choices of DNA matches in adjusting their matching preferences or deleting a kit altogether.
Research logs are typically formatted as tables with columns for citations, descriptions of items being searched, analysis of evidence items (or lack thereof), mention of dates when a search was performed, and numbering of associated documents.
Document files for genetic genealogy often include documentary evidence supporting generational linkages between a tester and key matches, but also might include screenshots of important genetic reports.
Genetic genealogy reports often incorporate citations, charts, and correlation of evidence items for the construction of a proof argument regarding biological relationships.
As researchers write in research logs or research reports and incorporate DNA evidence, they often discover that the very act of writing about DNA matches clarifies the strength or weakness of the evidence, gaps in information, and possibilities for research avenues to pursue. It is often in the act of writing about DNA evidence that the complete picture of a genetic scenario becomes apparent.
At the same time, by documenting genetic genealogy research efforts, citing DNA evidence, analyzing, correlating, resolving conflicts, and writing conclusions based on the underlying evidence, it is possible to incorporate DNA evidence as part of genealogical proof.
Research logs often include the date of a search, a citation, commentary on the search, and document numbers. Citation: DiltsGD, “Log15,” https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/File:Log15.png, accessed August 2023. Creative Commons Attribution Share Alike license.
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