Which of the following best describes values?

Values are fundamentally rooted in beliefs about what is important to an individual or group. They serve as guiding principles that influence behavior, decisions, and overall worldview. When we talk about values, we refer to the priorities and convictions that shape how people perceive their environment, interact with others, and make choices throughout their lives. For example, someone who values honesty is likely to prioritize truthfulness in their interactions and decision-making processes.

The other options, while related to aspects of personal development or behavior, do not encapsulate the concept of values as effectively. Personal standards may reflect one's values but lack the emphasis on belief systems. Measures of character could describe traits demonstrated by adhering to values but do not define what those values are. Techniques for defensive driving pertain to safety practices and skills, which are unrelated to the concept of values.