What is a "working" paper? (in academics)

[Laurie4b]

Someone in my FB feed just put up a "working paper"  to make a political point with statistics. I have never heard of the term working paper before.

 

I assume that at the least, it has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

 

What is the weight of authority/credibility should be given to any analysis done in a working paper? 

[umsami]

You're right....no peer review.  May not be ready for that level of scrutiny...may need additional input/research.

 

In terms of authority/credibility, tough to say.  You'd have to look at their sources, as well as your opinion of their previous research. 

[Crimson Wife]

Generally it is in progress and may have been presented at a conference but not yet accepted for publication (once it has been accepted the authors generally use "in press").