There are several possible approaches that you can take, and it all depends on what you are most comfortable with. If this was merely an essay, of the textual analysis sort, it would be much easier, because then you could just find examples of the characters in each of the three stories displaying sense and restraint. There are ample examples of restraint in all three of those--and most of Austen's--books, so that could take up quite a bit of space.
To do a research paper though, that makes it a bit more difficult. You can do the same thing listed above, but then you might need to go find some critics that have analyzed a similar theme in all three novels, and write down what they had to say on it. What essays have been written about those themes? What are some literary critcisms regarding the issue? You can find a lot of cricitism in literary journals, and good databases often have those journals online for you to read (ERIC, etc.). So that is one approach that you can take, looking at what "experts" in literature have said on the subject.
Another possible route is to look at Austen's life, and pick out where she showed sense and restraint, and then compare those instances to the characters in her novels. You could attempt to assert that because Austen had a lot of experience with sense and restraint, her female characters also showed in their personalities and decisions. Maybe parallel some similar experiences. That could be an interesting approach.
I also suggest talking to your teacher to clarify exactly what they are looking for. Every English teacher is very different in what they are expecting, and it helps to go in with your eyes open. They will appreciate your inquiry, and chalk it up to diligence, which always earns bonus points. Anyway, good luck, and I hope that those thoughts helped a bit!
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