DNA in Action 2 of 6: Writing Proofs including DNA

Writing a defensible conclusion is a critical skill for any researcher looking to integrate genetic data into a family history narrative. This webinar, part of the "DNA in Action" series, provides a robust framework for translating complex DNA results and documentary evidence into clear, written proof arguments. By focusing on a generation-by-generation methodology, the session demonstrates how to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) while navigating common obstacles such as misattributed parentage, pedigree collapse, and scant historical records. This presentation is essential for genealogists who want to ensure their biological findings are professionally verified, logically sound, and accessible to future generations.

• Reasoning as the Essential Glue: While software tools and diagrams are useful for data presentation, they cannot communicate the underlying logic required to prove a relationship; instead, clear narrative reasoning using nouns and verbs is necessary to tie documentary and genetic evidence together into a cohesive argument.
• DNA as Indirect Evidence: DNA test results serve as direct evidence of a biological connection but only offer indirect evidence regarding the specific type of relationship. Researchers must use syllogisms—logical "if-then" statements—to distinguish between various relationship possibilities and to test hypotheses against the available data.
• Strategic Pedigree Mitigation: To achieve a defensible conclusion, researchers must actively rule out competing hypotheses, such as shared ancestors on other family lines, through thorough pedigree evaluation and the use of source-cited tables that reveal patterns in numerical data.

For those ready to move beyond shortcuts and master the art of genealogical documentation, viewing the full webinar offers a visual, color-coded walkthrough of actual case studies spanning four generations. The presentation provides a rare look at how to handle unexpected "twists and turns," such as DNA outliers and unknown half-relationships, with professional rigor and transparency. Genealogists are also encouraged to explore the additional resources in the five-page syllabus, which contains extensive documentation templates, reference tools, and source-cited tables designed to elevate the quality of any family history project.