Final answer:
The key element in instrumental conditioning associated with a reward or favorable outcome to increase a behavior is known as reinforcement, which can be primary or secondary.
Step-by-step explanation:
An important element of instrumental conditioning that is the reward or favorable consequence associated with a particular response is known as reinforcement. In operant conditioning, reinforcement is the implementation of a consequence to increase a behavior.
This can be a primary reinforcer, which has innate reinforcing qualities like food or water, or a secondary reinforcer, which has reinforcing qualities when linked with something else, possibly gold stars or poker chips in a classroom setting.
Reinforcement plays a crucial role in shaping behavior. For example, Skinner's box experiment showed that the rate of pushing a lever by rats increased when food was dispensed as a consequence of the action, illustrating operant conditioning where the rats were reinforced to repeat the behavior.