When you first do a DNA test, deciding how to approach analysing your results can be daunting. Applying a research methodology is your best chance of success in achieving your DNA goals. Once hypotheses are identified, ensure you test your theories using the Genealogical Proof Standard. Click this link to access my DNA Research Methodology.
AncestryDNA launched in Australia in 2015 and now seems to be the preferred testing site for most Australians. If you have early Australian ancestry, you will usually find more matches at AncestryDNA, its database is said to have grown to 20m (as at June 2021). However, whilst ir continues to introduce innovative tools, a severe limitation at AncestryDNA is that it does not provide chromosome 'segment' data.
AncestryDNA can be used to confirm many closer relationships. However, to confirm your ancestry beyond 3rd cousins or where there is no documented paper trail (with the exception of parent/child and sibling relationships) you need to undertake detailed chromosome analysis, using segment data. AncestryDNA's tools allow you to easily classify and sort your matches making it a great place to start your DNA journey, but many situations will require more detailed chromosome analysis.
Whether you are undertaking your autosomal DNA research at AncestryDNA or with a chromosome site like FamilyTreeDNA, My Heritage or 23andMe, developing your DNA analysis skills requires the same learning pathway. Focus your learning using the DNA Research Framework components to develop and build your competency.
* Understanding DNA Basics - essential DNA theory, terms and simple tools
* Organising your DNA data and determining match groups
* Determining your MRCA from shared or triangulated chromosome groups
* Use Genetic Research to confirm and expand your pedigree.
You can read more about the DNA Framework in my Research Methodology document.
For a complete list of the competencies required to be an effective as a DNA researcher refer to my Building your DNA competency blogpost.
Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG)
In 2020, Christine Woodlands developed the 'Analysing your AncestryDNA results' course for SAG. This course covers the foundation DNA research methodology to apply when beginning your DNA journey. Whilst focussed on AncestryDNA, the concepts can be applied to all testing sites.
Those just starting out should aim to become familiar with the methodology applied in the AncestryDNA program. You will learn key DNA terms, basic DNA theory and how to use approaches that utilise total shared cMs (centimorgans), estimated relationships and tree triangulation. You can read more about the course on Mossie's Musings.
A follow up course for 'Analysing your DNA results using chromosome analysis' has also been developed. This course builds on the skills gained in the AncestryDNA program. It explores working with detailed segment data, identifying and confirming triangulated groups through segment triangulation and chromosome maps.
Keep an eye out on the SAG Events Calendar.
Veronica Williams
29 May 2021
Last updated April 2023
