Prepare a critical analysis of how research methodology and data analysis is used and applied in the research papers given below. (Max word count)

The focus of the critical analysis should be on:

• The practical application of methods to answer the research questions
• The suitability and quality of method, data analysis, and overall approach taken for that purpose.

The papers to review are:

1. Barton, J. and Mercer, M., 2005. To blame or not to blame: Analysts reactions to external explanations for poor financial performance. Journal of Accounting and Economics, 39(3), pp.509-533.