Which term refers to a deeply held belief that can influence a person's actions and views?

The term "attitude" is defined as a deeply held belief that can significantly influence both a person's actions and their views. Attitudes are often formed through personal experiences, social influences, and cultural background, and they can affect how individuals respond to various situations and people. For example, a positive attitude toward law enforcement can lead to supportive interactions and trust within the community, while a negative attitude might spur confrontation or mistrust.

In the context of the question, the other terms—opinion, mindset, and perception—while related to an individual's beliefs and viewpoints, do not encapsulate the concept of deeply held beliefs to the same extent as attitude does. An opinion may be more fluid and subject to change, a mindset often refers to an established mental framework or approach to thinking, and perception relates to the way individuals interpret their surroundings. Thus, attitude best captures the notion of a stable, influential belief system embedded within an individual's character.