Quicksheet – Citing Genetic Sources for History Research – Evidence Style

DNA-Quicksheet-Mills-200pw

DNA analysis is the new frontier in genealogical research. Combined with traditional research methods, it is the gold standard in genealogy. Four types of DNA tests are commonly used in genetic testing: (1) Y-DNA; (2) MT-DNA; (3) AT-DNA; and (4) X-Line DNA. The successful use of these tests requires interpretation, but in conjunction with documentary research, indisputable genealogical evidence can easily be established.

One of the purposes of this QuickSheet is to show how to cite sources in compiling a genealogy using DNA analysis. As Ms. Mills demonstrates, the standards for citation, evidence analysis, and proof—when using DNA tests for historical purposes—are the same as those for sound historical and genealogical research. This QuickSheet demonstrates how to report test results, analyses, and instructional matter in ways that support those standards.

To begin with, she explains the basic citation formats, depending on whether you cite an online resource or an offline report. To make the job of citing sources simpler, she provides a template that shows exactly how you should identify source list entries and reference notes. Then she provides examples, or models, of common source types, showing how to use them in a source list entry, in a full reference note, and in a short reference note. On this complicated subject, nothing could be easier to use.

Written by the doyen of source citation and evidence, this QuickSheet is quick to read, handy to use, and is certain to become the basic guide to citing genetic sources. Following the style of the famous QuickSheet series, it is published as a 4-page folder and is laminated to withstand heavy use.

This Quicksheet is laid out as follows:

  • Who & Why
  • The Basics
  • Y-DNA
  • MT-DNA
  • AT-DNA
  • X-Line DNA
  • Standards
  • Types of Genetic Reports
  • Basic Terms You Will Use
  • Alleles
  • Autosome
  • Centimorgan (cM)
  • Chromsome
  • Haplogroup
  • Marker
  • Segment
  • Triangulation
  • Basic Citation Formats
  • Online Results
  • Offline Reports
  • Basic Template for Database or Tool
  • Basic Template for an Offline Report
  • Models for Common Source Types

Quicksheet – Citing Genetic Sources for History Research – Evidence Style*, by Elizabeth Shown Mills, 2015, 4 pp folded; Laminated; ISBN: 978-0-8063-2016-8; Item #: GPC3877.

Click here to order this item from Family Roots Publishing.

*Based on Mills, Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace, 3rd Edition, 2015.

About Leland Meitzler

Leland K. Meitzler founded Heritage Quest in 1985, and has worked as Managing Editor of both Heritage Quest Magazine and The Genealogical Helper. He currently operates Family Roots Publishing Company (www.FamilyRootsPublishing.com), writes daily at GenealogyBlog.com, writes the weekly Genealogy Newsline, conducts the annual Salt Lake Christmas Tour to the Family History Library, and speaks nationally, having given over 2000 lectures since 1983.

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