Data: Priority and Preference of Mind Activity

0 Synthesizing: Holistic, Conceptual, Strategic Thinking: holistic/conceptual awareness of the essential nature (essence) of things; natural exposure to ideas, concepts, symbols, theories, hypothesis, options, then "making sense" of that information in a holistic context.

Synthesize: holistic, conceptual, strategic thinking: required to conceptually, holistically sense, see the big picture; consciousness of the essential nature of that which is perceived or thought; adept and comfortable with abstract ideas, concepts, theories, options, strategies. This trait is necessary for executive, consulting, research, scientific and/or strategic activities.

	"Synthesize: putting two or more things together to form a whole; the combination of separate elements of thought into a whole; the operation by which divided parts are united." Webster. A high motivation indicates that this person sees the big picture, attempts to see all parts of the picture in that larger context, then sees all parts relative to each other—but still within that larger context. Perception and thinking are therefore holistic and conceptual. Philosophical and intuitive processes are involved. Scientific, managerial and/or literary talents may also be involved. Other mental factors in this section are subordinate, secondary, or complementary to this primary function. This is an overview and scanning activity which includes ideas, concepts, theory, fiction, hypothesis and assessment. (Note that words in the last sentence are unrelated to logic which Webster defines as "the science of the operations of the understanding subservient to the estimation of evidence.") Synthesis gets no further toward logic than estimating.
	Along with other mental activities and priorities, moderate motivation indicates that this person sees the big picture; or assembles perceptions, thoughts, information, data, numbers, etc. in the context of the big picture. It is important to determine, by scanning other factors in this data section, how important synthesizing is relative to other mental processes—regarding analyzing, comparing, and coordinating in particular. That determines whether moderate motivation indicates that this person starts with the big picture, or builds up to it later.
	Low motivation indicates that this person's mental orientation is factual, realistic, logical handling of that which is directly related to knowledge and experience. This person wants proof—like biting a nickel to see if it is made of wood or metal. Fantasy, fiction, abstract ideas, theory and hypothesis are not a part of this person's mental territory. Low motivation indicates that this person functions on the basis of logic, reasoning, talent-based savvy or sensory/physical abilities. Because this person does not function on the basis of the big picture, it is important to determine, from review of all Worker Traits related to mental activity, which piece or pieces of the picture have primary influence.