What is defined as an opinion or belief held about a person or thing?

The correct answer is bias. Bias refers to a particular tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone, which shapes one's opinions or beliefs. It often manifests in interpretations and evaluations that are not entirely objective. Bias can be influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, cultural background, and social context, leading to preconceived notions about individuals, groups, or ideas.

Understanding bias is crucial in psychology as it affects how we interact with others and how we interpret information. Recognizing our biases allows for more critical thinking and more balanced perspectives when assessing situations or individuals.

Other options, such as perception, judgment, and impact, do not encapsulate the concept of a held opinion or belief in the same manner. Perception refers to how we interpret sensory information rather than an opinion about a person or thing. Judgment involves forming an opinion or conclusion, which may or may not be influenced by biases. Impact describes the effect or influence that one thing has on another and does not directly relate to the concept of holding an opinion.