Programming scripts were written for the statistical analysis of genetic data for kinship testing. The methods presented here involve algorithms with R for conditional probability analysis based
on Bayes’ theorem. Although computer programs to assess probable kinship have been published, the reports describe only minimal or generalized formulas, rendering the programs difficult for most forensic researchers to understand. Here, we present details of calculations used to evaluate probabilities of kinship and details of the R scripts used to execute these calculations. Scripts were constructed for paternity trio testing in which DNA typing data for the mother, child, and alleged father are available as well as for paternity duo, parental, grandfather, sibling, subsibling, and uncle testing. This review provides clear and orderly descriptions of calculations using R scripts, making each facet of this method easy to understand. Furthermore, access to these scripts will enable researchers to develop their own calculation systems.
View full abstract