Hello,
I found this interesting even though it does not impact Carpenter Cousins genealogy or
privacy rights directly.
Older listers may remember that there was a push years ago to place genetic genealogy
tests under the American Medical Association banner. This would have required you to go to
your doctor to be told about your Y-DNA, mtDNA or any other genetic genealogy test you
took. Thankfully saner people ruled that option out.
The survey mentioned below focuses on atDNA (autosomal DNA) ancestry type tests such as
given by
Ancestry.com that has ethnicity estimates. It also wants to know how people were
impacted by those ethnic reports and how you felt before and after the results came in.
There are a few questions that include whether or not such ancestry type tests should be
further regulated.
A genetic genealogy DNA test is or should be primarily a non-medical DNA test to help a
genealogy researcher learn more about their genealogy. Genealogy is linking together real
people by a documented paper trail. DNA tests can help resolve road blocks or provide
details for easier research or a specific focus on your research.
For example: Knowing which Carpenter Cousins genetic line (Group) you are in can be very
helpful, especially with reverse genealogy. This is where you compare what you know to
genealogy already published to find a geographical time and place match. Then you can
target or focus your research in a more effective manner.
Some DNA testing companies are pretending to be genetic genealogy when they really push
medical related type tests. By having some element of real genetic genealogy, the medical
portions are not as well regulated. In essence these companies are selling genetic
anthropology (human studies) DNA tests as genetic genealogy test. Genetic Anthropology
uses non-personal data points to make estimated conclusions about things that include
ethnicity, ancestry and genetic traits. In essence educated mathematical guesses.
It really is BUYER BEWARE. Educating yourself and/or asking questions is very important.
Who you are is not based on some estimated data points or ethnic probabilities. I consider
my ethnicity American because that is who I am. SO I checked other on that question and
wrote in American. This despite my genealogy that shows me an European mutt!
All that said, the survey may be interesting to some and may/will no doubt suggest that
more regulations are needed. I encourage people to give their opinions, feeling and
thoughts on the matter. See below.
John R. Carpenter
La Mesa, CA USA
Carpenter Cousins Project - Our main support page!
https://carpentercousins.com
Kathryn A. Sweeney (Purdue University Northwest) and Kimberly M. Baker
(University of Northern Iowa) are conducting a study to learn more about
people’s experiences with DNA ancestry tests. Below is a link to an online
survey asking about your choices to take DNA testing, motivations,
experiences, and reactions to the results. The survey will take about 20
minutes to complete.
To participate in this study, you must meet the following criteria:
● Have completed and received results from a DNA ancestry test (such
as those offered by 23andme, Ancestry, Family Tree DNA, My Heritage etc.)
● Currently reside in the United States
● Be 18 or older
Please note that this survey is anonymous. The researchers will not be able
to identify who you are from your answers unless you choose to disclose
your contact information.
To access the survey, please click on the link:
http://tinyurl.com/DNAAncestry-Survey
Please forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested.
Thanks!
Kathryn A. Sweeney, Associate Professor, Purdue University Northwest,
Kathryn.Sweeney(a)pnw.edu <mailto:KATHRYN.SWEENEY@pnw.edu>
Kimberly M. Baker, Associate Professor, University of Northern Iowa,
Kimberly.baker(a)uni.edu <mailto:Kimberly.baker@uni.edu>