This paper takes a look at how information competency, information processing, and receiver apprehension, affect rating behavior when rating speeches. The paper is broken down into two studies. The first study looks at information competency, which is measured by the Information Competency Assessment Instrument, and how it affects rating behavior. The second study looks at information processing, which is broken down into three scales based on the Inventory of Learning Processes then each is analyzed based on rating behavior, and receiver apprehension which is measured using the Receiver Apprehension Test and how these two concepts affect rating behavior. Students were given surveys to measure information competency, information processing, and receiver apprehension and also asked to evaluate speeches. A negative correlation between receiver apprehension and information processing was found along with support for the idea that information competency and information processing have an affect on rating behavior.