This document is an English-language abstract (appropriately 1,500 words) of a thesis answering the arguments against adopting the tests from the national Educational Test Research Institute (ETRI). The author gives an account of the committees on selection methods in his own university and also analyzes responses to an opinion survey conducted on the staff of his university with regard to the ETRI external examination system. These opinions are considered typical of Japanese academic opinion. Most surveyed agreed the test questions were well constructed. Common criticisms are that they are multiple choice, random responses are counted as correct and the test fails to measure independent thinking. The author answers the criticisms--statistical techniques can eliminate random responses and questions can be constructed to measure independent thought. Many critics contend that it is too early to adopt the tests because there is no evidence that they are more valid than the traditional ones. But neither is there evidence that the converse is true; one is at least as reliable as the other. Other criticisms are also attacked by the author. (Author/GDB)