RLP with DNA – Family Locket

RLP 57 – Three Steps to Focus Your DNA Research with an Objective

Aug 12, 2019

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to focus your DNA research with an objective. If you feel overwhelmed by all the matches and all the test results you have, perhaps focusing on one research question could help. Maybe you want to confirm a relationship or focus on a brick wall ancestor. We discuss how to create an objective with genetic genealogist Robin Wirthlin. Links What Do You Want to Know? 3 Steps to Focus Your DNA Research by Robin at Family Locket Creating an Objective for a DNA Research Projectby Diana af Family Locket Relevant previous...

RLP 54 – Three Ways to Chart your DNA Matches

Jul 22, 2019

Today's episode of Research Like a Pro is about organizing your DNA matches by creating diagrams. Charting your DNA matches in a pedigree showing most recent common ancestor can help you visualize your DNA results like never before. We'll talk about two online charting options, charting using Ancestry.com's trees, and also an offline method. There are many more. Join us as we talk with Robin Wirthlin about how to chart your DNA matches! Links What Do You Want to Know? 3 Steps to Focus Your DNA Research by Robin at Family Locket Creating an Objective for a DNA Research Project...

Resources for Learning About Genetic Genealogy

Jul 16, 2019

Do you want to start a DNA research project to confirm an ancestral relationship? Have you been wanting to learn more about genetic genealogy but are not sure where to start? Maybe you're interested in joining our Research Like a Pro with DNA study group in the fall and are curious about the prerequisites. Diana, Robin, and I have been talking about what basic DNA education would be helpful before doing a DNA research project. Some of our top choices include The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy by Blaine T. Bettinger and Genetic Genealogy in Practice by...

10 Ways to Group Your DNA Matches into Genetic Networks

Jun 11, 2019

A great way to get the most out of the list of your DNA matches is to separate the people into groups that cluster around one of your ancestral lines. If you can divide your match list into groups, you can focus on finding the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) that you share with that cluster of people. Once that common ancestor or ancestral couple is identified, you can focus your research on one familial line, and identify the DNA that you inherited from the common ancestor(s). The groups of related people are sometimes called “Clusters” or “Genetic Networks.” Goals...

DNA Sources, Information, and Evidence: Sorting it All Out

May 11, 2019

Sources play a vital role in genealogical research, and the quality and quantity of sources matter. Elizabeth Shown Mills, a renowned genealogical expert explains, “Sources give us information from which we select evidence for analysis. A sound conclusion may be considered proof.”[1] Part of the Research Like a Pro process is to “Dig out your papers and locate the sources on the FamilySearch Family Tree or other online trees that pertain to your ancestor. When you’ve gathered all the source documents, a thorough analysis of each and the information found within can clarify what you know and point you to...