Final answer:
Sociopaths have a less severe form of antisocial personality disorder and can form attachments, while psychopaths have a more serious condition with a lack of empathy and inability to form real relationships. Psychology focuses on the internal aspects of these disorders, while sociology examines societal influences on behaviors and moral development.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compare and contrast sociopaths and psychopaths, it's essential to understand that both terms refer to individuals with antisocial personality disorders characterized by a disregard for others and often the presence of deception or manipulation. However, there are subtle differences highlighted by psychological research. Sociopaths tend to have a less severe form of antisocial personality disorder and are capable of forming attachments to others, albeit in a dysfunctional way. In contrast, psychopaths have a more severe, innate condition, often demonstrating a complete lack of empathy and unable to form genuine personal relationships.
Psychologists engage in the process of studying these disorders by looking inward at individual mental health, emotional processes, and brain functions. On the other hand, when considering the broader question of developing such personality disorders, sociologists would look at the role of society and how various factors like social environment and cultural norms might contribute to the development of antisocial personality traits. When considering moral development, psychologists might study how a person's conscience or sense of right and wrong evolves over time, while sociologists could investigate how societal norms and laws shape an individual's moral compass.