Which term best describes personal principles that guide behavior and decision-making?

The correct term that best describes personal principles guiding behavior and decision-making is values. Values are deeply held beliefs about what is important, desirable, or worthwhile in life. They influence how individuals behave, the choices they make, and how they interact with others.

Values serve as an internal compass that helps individuals prioritize different aspects of their lives, such as family, career, education, and community involvement. They can shape goals and aspirations, determining what a person strives for in their personal and professional life. Values might include concepts like honesty, loyalty, responsibility, and respect, which guide one's actions and influence moral judgments.

While ethics often refers to a system of principles or rules that govern a group or society's behavior, and morals pertain to a person's perception of right and wrong, values are more personal and individual. Standards typically represent established norms or criteria for behavior but do not necessarily encompass the personal beliefs that drive decision-making on an individual level. Thus, values are fundamental in understanding how personal beliefs affect decisions and behaviors.