What defines the standards of conduct recognized by a particular group or culture?

The correct answer is ethics, as it specifically refers to the principles and standards of conduct that dictate what is considered right or wrong within a particular group, profession, or culture. Ethics encompasses the values and beliefs that guide behavior, helping individuals and organizations determine how to act responsibly in their interactions with others. It serves as a framework for evaluating actions and making decisions based on a shared understanding of what is acceptable behavior in a societal context.

In contrast, morals typically refer to personal beliefs about what is right or wrong and may vary significantly from one individual to another. Regulations are formal rules or laws enacted by governing bodies to control behavior, while protocols refer to established procedures or systems for conducting specific actions, often within professional or organizational settings. Ethics, therefore, forms the foundation for assessing conduct and creating standards that apply to a collective.