An Analysis and Comparison of DNA Testing Results and their Usefulness in Family History Research

This study discusses how DNA testing can help genealogists and family historians further their research and go beyond their paper trail in validating the identity of their ancestors. It looks at the three kinds of DNA tests, their value to genealogical research, and their limitations. Several case studies for each type of testing are also presented. The three kinds of DNA testing are mitochondrial, Y-DNA, and autosomal. The mitochondrial DNA is passed down from a mother to her children and is useful in determining the direct maternal ancestry. The Y-DNA is passed down only from a father to his son and is useful in determining the direct paternal ancestry. The autosomal DNA is passed down from both the mother and the father and is useful in determining recent ancestry from all ancestors. The kind of DNA test taken depends on the researchers' goals. A genealogical paper trail is still required to understand and work with the results of a DNA test and to further one's research. A DNA test by itself cannot identify who one's ancestors were; however, when used in tandem with genealogical research, it can help to build a clearer picture of who they might have been.Master of Science in Library Scienc