Part 918s - Autosomal DNA Testing - Is It Genealogy?

Good Day,

Following up to my Autosomal DNA comparison exercise, I, serendipitously, stumbled upon an article at the online magazine Vice. Please, understand that I am not trying “to trash” Autosomal DNA testing. I am just trying to point out that it has become an immature tangent of what one could consider is correct genealogy research.

Is it a tool? Yes. Is Autosomal DNA testing providing the answers to the pure science of genealogy and genetic research? In my humble opinion, again Autosomal DNA does not provide the complete and correct end to the questions of one’s genealogy, the study of family origins and history.

Does it provide possible answers to unknown connections and answers to unasked questions? Yes, maybe, and no.

The Vice article by Moses Monterroza, March 21, 2018, “I Tested My DNA and Learned About Self-Delusion”  

“Obviously, nothing actually changed. After all, these results are really just percentages vaguely indicating that I am associated with several specific regions on Earth. And really, that’s it. There’s no renewed sense of self, no reconnection with my past, just a bunch of percentage points.”

Take a few moments and read Monterroza’s article. He does present an interesting point of view.

And note, that genealogy is a formidable task of wading through reams and reams of papers and films. It is the searching for and the researching of those glimpses into the past of who and when your ancestors and ancient family existed. It is not necessarily a percentage or estimate provided by a corporation. A corporation and/or organization that is currently examining their bottom line and net return on subscription dues.

Just my opinion.

Regards,

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Part 917sb - Autosomal Tests Comparison

Good Day,

I've been asked a number of questions regarding the postings of my and Andy Brunhammer's Autosomal DNA results with respect of the various testing companies and organizations.

Why are there differences and varied numbers across the results?

The logical explanation(s) is that certain companies/organizations test only within certain and/or limited capabilities. In other words, some may not test for specific "ethnicities". Also there may be a void of the number of ethnic-specific results in their overall databases.

Does that mean your "lieder-hausen" should be traded in for a "kilt"? Or should your blue eyes mean you are "definitely" localized to a specific country?

As the results are not necessarily 100% absolute, if you should decide on getting an autosomal DNA test done, please remember that "family matches" may be implicit and should be realized with the necessary sources and documentation.

Regards,

Jim

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Part 916b - Brunhammer Autosomal DNA Tests - Comparison

Greetings,

If you are thinking about the autosomal DNA testing here are several tests completed. These are Andy Brunhammer's tests. Each includes the associated percentages as they apply to specific "ethnicity" labels.

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki is an excellent reference site. Check out the Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart link. (It does not include LivingDNA.)

https://isogg.org/wiki/Wiki_Welcome_Page

Regards,

Jim

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Part 915s - Smith Autosomal DNA Tests - Comparison

Greetings,

If you are thinking about the autosomal DNA testing here are several tests completed. These are my tests. Each includes the associated percentages as they apply to specific "ethnicity" labels.

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy Wiki is an excellent reference site. Check out the Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart link. (It does not include LivingDNA.)

https://isogg.org/wiki/Wiki_Welcome_Page

Regards,

Jim

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