Step 1: Understanding polymer synthesis.
The synthesis of large polymer molecules typically follows the bottom-up approach, where smaller molecules (monomers) are chemically bonded together to form larger macromolecules (polymers).
Step 2: Explanation.
In contrast to the top-down approach, which starts with larger materials and breaks them down, the bottom-up approach is fundamental in polymer chemistry, where monomers combine to form long polymer chains.
Final Answer:
\[
\boxed{(2) \, \text{bottom-up approach}}
\]