How conclusive is DNA testing?
The typical researcher is interested in specific individuals in a specific family tree, while DNA testing evaluates common ancestry. By itself, a DNA test cannot confirm that a specific individual is the ancestor of the test participant. However, DNA testing can confirm that two test participants share a common ancestor. When combined with traditional genealogy, DNA results can aid in reconstructing genealogies and can confirm or refute specific relationships, including descent from specific ancestors, with a high degree of confidence. The most useful comparisons are between men who have closely matching yDNA patterns and who have also established paper trails (genealogies). DNA testing can be conclusive in proving that a male from an earlier generation is NOT an ancestor. The degree of certainty is a function of genealogies of the participants who document the earlier male.
The typical researcher is interested in specific individuals in a specific family tree, while DNA testing evaluates common ancestry. By itself, a DNA test cannot confirm that a specific individual is the ancestor of the test participant. However, DNA testing can confirm that two test participants share a common ancestor. When combined with traditional genealogy, DNA results can aid in reconstructing genealogies and can confirm or refute specific relationships, including descent from specific ancestors, with a high degree of confidence. The most useful comparisons are between men who have closely matching yDNA patterns and who have also established paper trails (genealogies). DNA testing can be conclusive in proving that a male from an earlier generation is NOT an ancestor. The degree of certainty is a function of genealogies of the participants who document the earlier male.
