Research studies (originally titled "Research") consists of drawings and tracings Orrick produced based upon historical or ethnographic sources. At least one folder of drawings ("Religious colonies") was inspired by drawings in the Index of American Design, a WPA-sponsored Federal Art Project undertaken between 1935-1942. Other folders contain illustrated magazine clippings as Orrick's source material. The drawings depict women dressed in traditional or modified costume with annotations in addition to various accessories. The drawings may have been intended for submission to Harper's Bazaar, as a 1943 issue of the magazine includes Orrick's illustrations for "Religious Colonies," and another series of drawings is specifically labeled "for Harper's Bazaar." The majority are undated.