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Markers
When Family Tree DNA does the processing to get the results, they look at certain areas of the DNA cell structure called "markers."  These markers (or certain parts of the DNA structure) are labeled with a name, usually beginning with the prefix 'DYS-'., but most of the time, they are just known by 'Marker-'. For example: DYS-390 aka. Marker 390  or DYS-19 aka Marker 19. These numbers are found at the top of the results chart.  This just sets the standard for every testee to give their numerical value for that marker.

To put it extremely simple, it helps to ask the question for every testee: What did you get for marker 390?  I got a  9  and you got a  9  too.  Well what did you get for marker 19?  I got a 12 and you got a 12 too.  And so on and so on.... 
 

Lineage
On the left of the chart, there is a Kit number which gives that testee's lineages with a link to their ancestral line.  Next are the results for that individual. All that you have to do to understand the chart is see which numbers match. For example: 

Example A:

The numbers match...thus these two testees ARE related.

These numbers do not match...and these two testees ARE NOT related. Of course some numbers are the same for both testees, but to establish any relation, you need to match up on at least 11/12.

How to see a relation
As you can see from the chart below, if the numbers match up for two or more testees, they are outlined in the same color. All of Edward Doty's descendants are in light blue. But, also notice that the that two markers are different, this could be a very important clue in establishing lineage from one particular line.       

Of course we don't know exactly how they are all related, but we do know that they come from the same Doty-Doughty family. That is why paper research is still essential in researching- the DNA results will tell you whether or not that paperwork is correct.

Comparisons
Now you're probably wondering: What if I match up with another Doty-Doughty perfectly on the first 12 numbers, but when I compare the rest of my 25 numbers, I only match up 24 out of 25? The more numbers that you have to compare, the more chances you have to NOT match up on one of them. I will describe this below:
Example A:   You and another testee match up perfectly 25 out of 25 the numbers.
Example B:   You and another testee match up 24 out of the 25 numbers. 
Using the examples above, the testees in Example A would be more closely related than Example B, because they have more numbers that match. So by upgrading your test from a 12 to a 25 marker test will give you a better idea of how "closely" related you and that testee are. Most of the Edward Doty line has upgraded to the 37 marker test. It will give us a better idea of which lines are more closely related, because we already know that there is a definite relation, considering that most everyone has matched perfectly 25 out of the 25 numbers.

Mutations
We will look for certain patterns in the results that have a Mutation.  A mutation could signify that you have a result of 12 for Marker 439 and the majority of other testees have a result of 11. This is known as a "1-step" mutation, because your number took a step either up or down from the established majority result of 11. (Mutations will be outlined in grey)  Mutations are expected! They occur over a period of time, and can even be found in a father and son relationship. Some research has even claimed that natural land features or the age of the father at the time of conception aid the progress of mutations

Haplogroups
The easiest way to understand a haplogroup is to understand the history of DNA testing. Back in the early '50's when this science became available, scientists took samples from people all over the world. They began to notice that certain countries or groups of people had common numbers (results). They used these unique numbers and compared them to history: "These people originated in Southern Africa, and have been there for 10,000 years and look at their result pattern; we will label them as "haplogroup Q12." or “These people (Indians) have a similar result pattern, and we know that they crossed the Bering Strait into North America. We will label them as "haplogroup F5."As you see from the results chart, most of our Doty-Doughty testees are in the R1b haplogroup.  You can just look for the history of the R1b haplogroup, and find that it’s the most common of all the haplogroups.  The largest majority of population showing this trait is located throughout Northern Europe. Since we can trace our Doty-Doughty lines into British Isles, this makes sense!
But, notice that the Thomas Doughty-Eng/PA line also originated from England. Yet they have the G2 haplogroup which is more commonly found in the Western European and Russian Steppe lands.  This could be from a number of reasons: Maybe a mercenary under the Roman Empire came to the Britain with Julius Caesar? or  Maybe an Arab Christian who fought in the Holy Crusades came to England to escape persecution?

These exact situational questions can only be answered through paper documentation and/or historical research. DNA results will help to lead you in the right direction! DNA RESULTS DOESN'T LIE!!!

FAQ on DNA