Friday, January 16, 2015

What are my goals with DNA testing?

Like any thing in life we need to think about what we are doing and come up with a plan. Same thing with doing DNA testing. Establish what your are looking to achieve out of the process.

In my own research I am always interested in learning more about my primary surname Davey. Identifying if the Davey's in Van Buren County, Michigan are related to the families in Richland County, Ohio and then finally the Davey's in Bridgewater, Somerset, England. This type of test would take a great deal of planning. I would need to identify candidates to participate in the tests from those areas. Then get them to agree to participate. A very large task.

Another test would be to determine if all the Davey's in Michigan are related. Again a large pool of people, but is it worth it?

This process does not make the process easier. Average person submits their sample to the DNA lab of their choice and waits for the results. This can be frustrating, because again it is all based on the pool of DNA testing that has been done before. Select your DNA tester wisely. Do your homework.

Next week we will be winding up the talk on the use of DNA in our Genealogy journey. Please help support my advertisers and have a great weekend.