The optimum use of Y-DNA testing is to validate a questionable paper trail. Flying blind occasionally does work and helps to develop enough Robinson/Robertson/Roberson family groups so that the chance of making a connection will be fairly good. DNA testing has limitations. Predictions may be made of generations back to a common ancestor but they are given as a wide probable range. It is much easier to disprove a paper trail than to confirm one and, for this reason, at least the 37 marker Y-DNA test is recommended. We request male line pedigrees back to the most distant known ancestor. Initials only, along with the most distant ancestor and kit number are used for identification on the public website. Females may order a test kit for Robinson/Robertson/Roberson males who agree to submit a cheek scrape sample.

 MtDNA testing and the Family Finder application are also allowed for project members.  Owing to the many possible ancestral connections involved, however, the administrators do not get into the details of interpretation.  This is up to the person testing and it is therefore recommended that your profile page include a gedcom file or other family tree connections/links to assist in following up matching results. Adoptees who suspect Robinson/Robertson/Roberson connections and persons with surnames other than Robinson/Robertson/Roberson whose Y-DNA results match closely with project members are encouraged to join.

The DNA results, combined with genealogy research, hopefully will open some new windows for research on the Robinson/Robertson/Roberson surname.  By joining the project, you are giving consent for your information to be anonymously included in ongoing genetic genealogy research. Your personal identity will not be revealed, but your results will be used to better understand the Robinsons as a people and their ancestors.