DNA: Statistical Analysis

The statistical analysis of DNA profiles has evolved over the years along with the sophistication of the DNA profiles being generated. As the community's understanding of DNA profile data grew the methods used to evaluate the data shifted from frequency-based methods, to probability-based methods. These probability-based methods themselves evolved from a basic description of the DNA profile, known as a binary method of evaluation, to a discrete description, known as the semi-continuous evaluation method, to a continuous description, known as the fully-continuous evaluation method. Once a profile has been analyzed using one of these probabilistic genotyping systems (a process known as deconvolution) a wide range of evaluative and investigative avenues can be explored. Evidence profiles can be compared to the reference profiles to provide support for a nominated individual's contribution of DNA, evidence profiles can be searched against DNA databases of reference profiles, evidence profiles can be compared to each other looking for a common DNA donor. These techniques are at the forefront of use in forensic science facilities around the world.